Have you ever heard the saying “prevention is better than cure?” This mantra can be interpreted in many ways, even when it comes to orthodontic health. It could mean getting your child braces when young so they don’t develop jaw issues as adults. For the Orthodontists Associates of Western New York team, it means don’t wait until a problem escalates to address it. This is why we advocate for early orthodontic treatment in children. Preventive measures to address your child’s health can save them from future complex procedures and improve their overall quality of life. As the best orthodontist in Niagara Falls, NY, we provide various treatments for young children. Our treatment options address several orthodontic issues common in children.
Common Orthodontic Issues in Children
Orthodontic issues in children can affect teeth, jaws, and oral function. One of the common issues we see in children is crowding. It occurs when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all teeth to fit properly. When this happens, teeth overlap or become misaligned. Oftentimes, crowding results from early or late loss of baby teeth or inherited jaw size.
Another common issue we see in children is malocclusion—a misaligned bite. There are several different types of malocclusion, such as overbite, underbite, open bite, and crossbite. An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth protrude over the lower front teeth. It can lead to difficulty biting into food, speech issues, and jaw strain. An underbite happens when the lower front teeth protrude further than the upper front teeth. Underbites can lead to difficulties chewing and uneven wear on teeth. Open bites occur when the upper and lower front teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed, and a crossbite happens when one or more upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth when biting down.
Additional orthodontic issues in children are excessive gaps between teeth, protruding teeth, and jaw growth problems.
Children inherit some orthodontic issues from their families, but external factors are at play. For example, prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use beyond a certain age can lead to malocclusions and altered jaw growth.
If your child is struggling with these issues, you can count on the best orthodontist in Niagara Falls to help. We offer several treatment options to help get your child where they need to be.
Treatment Options From the Best Orthodontist in Niagara Falls
When your child is dealing with malocclusion or jaw misalignment, you’ll notice they are feeling discomfort or pain. It can affect not just their oral health but their overall comfort and quality of life.
That’s why we offer different treatment options for your child. Our goal is to make them as comfortable as possible. We offer dentofacial orthopedics in two phases. Phase I typically begins when your child is seven or eight years old. During this phase, we will focus on guiding proper jaw growth of the bones in the jaw. By doing this, we can decrease the treatment time during phase II.
Phase I treatment includes widening the upper palate and creating space for permanent teeth. We use palatal expanders to expand the palate gradually over time. Other devices we use include a Herbst appliance to guide the growth of the upper or lower jaw. We also use headgear or facial appliances. Your child only has to wear their headgear part-time, usually at night, to apply gentle pressure on the jaws and guide them to the correct position.
Phase II in dentofacial orthopedics usually involves the use of braces. Braces align and straighten the teeth. Orthodontists Associates of WNY offer clear braces, traditional metal braces, and Invisalign® clear aligners. Depending on the severity of your child’s issue, Invisalign may not be an option. We usually use Invisalign for mild orthodontic problems. The best way to figure out the solution for your child is by visiting our office in Niagara Falls!
Take the Next Step To Learn More About Early Orthodontic Treatment!
As a parent, your child’s health and well-being are incredibly important. You want them to feel as comfortable as possible, and that means providing them with early orthodontic treatment. The sooner you address dental health issues, the better off they’ll be for their future. You have already taken the first step to learn about early orthodontic treatment. Now, it’s time to book a free screening at our Niagara Falls office! Let’s come up with a care plan for your child together.
