Orthodontist Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Ft Pierce, Vero Beach, Palm Bay

Orthodontic Problems In Young Children

The appearance of a baby’s first tooth can occur anywhere between three and sixteen months with the average being about six months. Genetics and family history play a role in the timing of the eruption of the tooth that is the first of a set of twenty primary teeth that will appear by the time a child is about three years of age. At the age of six or seven, permanent teeth begin erupting. Because early orthodontic evaluation can determine if any problems are present, children should have their first orthodontic visit between the ages of six and seven. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends children visit an orthodontist by the age of seven. Read more below about the benefits of scheduling an observation appointment for your child and discover the best time to start interceptive orthodontics.

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Common Orthodontic Problems In Children Ages 6-8

Underbite
This condition occurs when the lower jaw is too far forward relative to the upper jaw. It can be caused for several reasons including genetic factors or growth-related problems in some children.
Crowding
The lack of space present in a child’s mouth can result in overlapping of the teeth. The common problem may be caused by early loss of baby teeth, decay or mouth size deviations. Lack of space in the mouth can also prevent developing permanent teeth from erupting properly. This problem requires early treatment to prevent damage to other developing teeth.
Anterior Crossbite
When the top front teeth are behind the lower front teeth, the enamel of the upper teeth can be damaged or worn prematurely and the tissue in front of the lower teeth can be damaged by bone loss and gum recession.
Posterior Crossbite
When the top back teeth are inside the lower back teeth, premature wear of the molars occurs and possibly affects normal jaw growth. Therefore, an expander is indicated to alleviate this problem and works more efficiently in younger children since they are still growing.
Open Bite
Open bite is a common orthodontic problem in children with a history of finger sucking. With this condition, the permanent front teeth do not come together. Speech difficulties and an unattractive appearance may result from an untreated open bite.
Warning Signs Of Orthodontic Problems In Children
If any of these warning signs are present at an early age, appropriate orthodontic treatment or education can be used to prevent an existing situation from getting worse and identifying the right plan to correct it.

Benefits Of Interceptive Orthodontics

A timely diagnosis helps prevent more serious issues later on because treatments for teeth problems are more effective at an early age. It allows the orthodontist to monitor the growth and development of any problem and determine when and if treatment should begin. Any treatment recommended depends entirely on the type of orthodontic problem and its severity. It is important to know if interceptive orthodontics is necessary before a child’s teeth problems worsen.

Orthodontic treatment can provide patients with a healthy mouth and smile, with the added benefit of confidence aiding in the future success of a child. In order to ensure successful orthodontic treatment for young children, it is important to identify problems early. Ensure your child’s orthodontic success with an observation appointment.

Schedule Observation Appointment

Help Dr. Vakani establish the best time to begin your child’s orthodontic treatment, should treatment be recommended. Enable us to build a good rapport with you and your child. When we have a great relationship, treatment is more successful all around!

Follow up with each observation appointment in order to start orthodontic treatment at the right time and to help identify irregular eruption or growth patterns that may develop during interceptive orthodontic treatment.

(772) 287-8415