Orthodontic treatment for kids helps to correct problems that are affecting the teeth and jaws. In many cases, this involves straightening the teeth and aligning them with the jawline. The main reason for orthodontic treatment is to improve oral health. There are two types of orthodontic treatment that pediatric dentists can typically provide: Interceptive orthodontic treatment and comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
If you have a child who has crooked teeth or other problems that can be corrected with orthodontic treatment, it's important to know what you can expect from the process. Here are six common problems that orthodontic treatment for kids can help with:
1. Orthodontic Treatment For Kids Can Help With Misaligned Jaws
One of the most common issues that orthodontic treatment for kids can help with is misaligned jaws. When the bones in your jaw are not aligned properly, it can cause problems with your teeth and jaw muscles. If left untreated, these problems could lead to damage to the jaw joint. This can cause pain in your jaw when chewing or talking as well as headaches and facial pain. A doctor will examine your child’s mouth and determine if orthodontic treatment is right for them or not by looking at their bite patterns and facial structure. They will also look at any previous medical history concerning their bones such as previous broken bones or infections that could affect how they should be treated in the future if they choose to go through with this type of treatment plan.
2. Orthodontic Treatment For Kids Can Help With Crooked Teeth
If your child has crooked teeth or misaligned jaws, he or she may feel self-conscious about smiling or talking with others at school or playdates. Crooked teeth can also lead to early tooth decay because food gets trapped between them instead of being brushed away by your child's tongue. A child may need orthodontic treatment if their teeth are crowded or out of alignment due to genetics or injury during childhood growth spurts.
3. Orthodontic Treatment For Kids Can Help With Overbites Or Underbites
Overbites and underbites can be corrected with braces or retainers. An overbite is when the upper teeth protrude out too far and may extend out the front of the lower teeth. An underbite is just the opposite — it’s when the lower teeth stick out too far in front of the upper teeth. An orthodontist can help correct these issues by using braces or aligners.
4. Orthodontic Treatment For Kids Can Help With Teeth Gaps
If your child has a gap between their front teeth, then it is likely that they have a diastema. This is usually caused by having small upper canines and large lower incisors. It is common in children who are still growing and the gaps will close as their adult teeth push through. However, if the gaps are too wide or deep, or both, then orthodontic treatment for kids can help with closing them up so your child can look more appealing. Some people have naturally wide spaces between their teeth, while others may develop gaps due to injury or other dental issues. Orthodontic treatment can help correct the spacing between teeth and improve your child's smile.
5. Orthodontic Treatment For Kids Can Help With Crowded Front Teeth
Crowded front teeth can be a problem for many children and teens, but the good news is that orthodontic treatment for kids can help with this issue. Crowding is when there are too many teeth in one area, which can cause pain or discomfort. It's usually caused by missing teeth or an improper bite. This happens because there isn't enough space for all of your child's teeth to fit comfortably together—so we will use braces to move them into the right position.
Orthodontic treatment for kids doesn't need to be scary or inconvenient. In fact, it can help improve your child's dental health and their self-confidence. To find out more about the options available for orthodontic treatment for kids, contact your team at Pediatric Dental Specialists in KC and schedule an appointment today.
