When is the right time to take your child to the orthodontist? If you’re wondering this, then you must watch out for common orthodontic problems, like crowding, overbite, misalignment crossbite, openbite and others!
Around 20% to 30% school children may require orthodontic attention. But, their parents or caregivers may delay it because of lack of awareness, cost and other issues.
Around the age of 7, both baby and permanent teeth are emerging. Early orthodontic problem intervention during this phase helps guide healthy oral growth. It also prevents future oral issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and jaw pain.
At Credence Dental, recognized as one of the best orthodontists in Bangalore, we specialize in orthodontic treatment for kids. From braces to clear aligners, we provide personalized treatment plans to correct bite issues, improve teeth alignment, and boost your child’s confidence. If you’re looking for teeth braces in RR Nagar, our experienced team is here to help.
Read the blog below to learn more about the most common orthodontic problems in kids and orthodontic treatment Bangalore!
List of Common Orthodontic Problems in Children to Watch for!
As children grow, it’s important to be aware of common orthodontic issues in children. If not, these orthodontic issues can affect their oral health and development. Here are some of the most common orthodontic problems in kids to watch for:
Crowding
Crowding in kids occurs when there is not enough space in the mouth for all the teeth. This can happen due to genetics, early loss of baby teeth, or abnormal jaw growth. Crowded teeth can overlap or appear crooked. Crowding makes it harder to clean teeth properly. It increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Spacing
Spacing refers to gaps between teeth. It can be caused in kids by missing teeth, small teeth relative to the jaw size, or genetic factors. Spaces can affect the bite and cause discomfort in toddlers.
Overbite
An overbite happens when the upper front teeth overlap significantly with the lower front teeth. This is often caused by thumb-sucking, genetics, or prolonged use of a pacifier. Overbite can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, and difficulties in chewing.
Underbite
In an underbite, the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth. This can be caused by genetics or jaw growth issues. It can affect chewing, speech, and lead to jaw discomfort.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth fall inside the lower teeth, rather than outside. It can be caused by misaligned teeth or abnormal jaw development. A crossbite can cause tooth wear, gum recession, and bone loss.
Openbite
An open bite in kids happens when the upper and lower teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed. It is often caused by thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, or prolonged pacifier use. An open bite can affect chewing and speech.
Protrusion
Protrusion refers to upper teeth that stick out too far. It creates an imbalanced appearance. This can happen due to overlapping teeth, genetics, or habits like thumb-sucking. Protruding teeth increase the risk of injury and can impact bite function.
Jaw Pain & Misalignment
Misalignment of the jaw in kids can cause significant discomfort, pain, and even bite issues. This can be caused by genetics, trauma, or developmental factors. Misalignment can lead to jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and even speech issues.
It’s important to watch for other orthodontic problem signs in kids like mouth breathing, cheek biting, grinding, and deep bite. These can lead to jaw misalignment and affect proper chewing. Issues like overjet, crowded teeth, spacing, and thumb sucking can also cause misaligned teeth and periodontal gum disease. Early detection of orthodontic problems in kids such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite can prevent more serious concerns and help ensure a healthy smile.
Why Early Orthodontic Evaluation in Kids is Important?
When it comes to your child’s oral health, early evaluation by an orthodontist is essential.
- Treating orthodontic issues in children at an early stage can prevent more serious problems down the road.
- At age 7, children typically have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which is the best time for an initial orthodontic evaluation.
- This helps your orthodontist identify issues like malocclusion, misalignment, or bite issues before they become more complex and require extensive treatment.
- Early orthodontic intervention in kids can guide the proper growth and development of the jaw and teeth.
Addressing problems like crowding, spacing, and overbite early on makes it easier to correct them and can often prevent the need for more invasive treatments later. It also reduces the chances of problems like gum disease, tooth decay, or speech difficulties.
Treatment Options for Orthodontic Problems in Kids
Once orthodontic issues like crowding, misalignment, bite problems, etc, are identified, there are various treatment options to correct these issues and guide your child’s dental development. The right orthodontic treatment for kids will depend on the specific concern, your child’s age, and their unique dental needs.
Braces
Traditional metal braces are one of the most common solutions for correcting bite issues and teeth alignment. They consist of brackets, wires, and elastic bands that gradually shift teeth into the correct position. Braces are particularly effective for treating crowding, overbite, and underbite.
Book a consultation call with an expert dentist to know more about dental braces in Bangalore.
Clear Aligners
For children who are concerned about the appearance of traditional braces, clear aligners like Invisalign are an excellent alternative. These removable appliances are transparent and comfortable, offering a solution for teeth alignment without the metal brackets.
Expanders
Palatal expanders are used to widen the upper jaw, which is particularly helpful in treating crossbite, crowding, or a narrow arch. This treatment is effective in creating more space for teeth to align properly.
Functional Appliances
In cases where the jaw needs to be repositioned, functional appliances can help guide the proper growth of the upper and lower jaw, particularly for correcting overbite, underbite, and bite issues.
Surgical Options
In more severe cases, particularly for jaw misalignment, surgery may be recommended. This typically occurs once the child has completed their growth and development, usually after age 18 years. Surgical treatment can help correct malocclusion or skeletal bite problems.
Credence Dental – Your Trusted Orthodontic Care Partner in Bangalore
At Credence Dental, we understand the importance of your child’s oral health. As the best orthodontist in Bangalore, we specialize in offering pediatric care that keeps your child’s smile healthy and bright. Whether you’re seeking teeth braces in RR Nagar or orthodontic treatment in Bangalore, we are your trusted partner for all your child’s orthodontic needs.
We offer a wide range of services for children, including:
- Early Orthodontic Evaluations: Detect potential issues early and prevent future developmental complications.
- Braces: Traditional metal and ceramic braces for teeth alignment and correcting bite issues.
- Clear Aligners: A Clear alternative for traditional braces. Clear aligners like Invisalign can treat complete range of orthodontic problems.
- Custom Kids Orthodontic Treatment Plans: Tailored solutions designed to meet your child’s unique needs.
Schedule a consultation with Credence Dental, the best orthodontist in RR Nagar today and let us help your child achieve a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime!
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I take my child to see an orthodontist?
The best time for an initial orthodontic evaluation is around age 7, when a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth are present. Early assessment can identify issues like Jaw growth discrepancies, misalignment, bite problems, and crowding.
What are the signs that my child might need braces?
Signs include crooked teeth, crowding, overbite, and difficulty chewing or biting. If your child is experiencing jaw pain or has noticeable misalignment, it’s time to visit an orthodontist.
What are the most common orthodontic problems in children?
Common issues include crowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, openbite, and protrusion. These can affect teeth alignment and bite, requiring braces or other orthodontic treatments for correction.
Can orthodontic problems be inherited?
Yes, many issues such as crowding, spacing, and jaw misalignment can be inherited through genetics. If parents had bite issues or misaligned teeth, children are more likely to have similar concerns.
How long does orthodontic treatment typically last?
Orthodontic treatment usually takes 12-24 months, depending on the severity of the issue. Early intervention can reduce treatment time, especially for issues like crowding and bite misalignment.
How can I help my child maintain oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment?
Encourage your child to brush after every meal, floss with orthodontic tools, and schedule regular cleanings. Proper hygiene reduces the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and plaque buildup.
What should I do if my child loses a spacer or breaks a bracket?
Contact the orthodontist as soon as possible. They may suggest a temporary fix or schedule an appointment to replace the lost appliance or bracket, ensuring no disruption in treatment.
