Common Orthodontic Problems In Kids
Are you concerned because you think that your child may require orthodontic care? In this educational video, dedicated Buffalo orthodontist Dr. Andrew J. Dusel outlines the common orthodontic problems in kids that all parents should be looking for. If you have questions about whether your child should see an orthodontist, contact our office and arrange a free screening today.
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- Parents frequently want to know what signs they should be looking for in their children that might require orthodontic treatment. They want to know what signs precipitate the need for an orthodontist visit. We respond by describing growth and development aspects of orthodontics at a younger age. We further explain to them why those issues are important to treat.
- Discrepancies in growth and development may exist in the respective widths of the child’s upper and lower jaws. Ideally, the upper jaw should be biting on the outside of the lower, rather like a door frame fits a door.
- If the “door frame” is too narrow, the upper jaw will bite on the inside of the lower jaw. In such a case, it becomes very important to begin orthodontics at a younger age. Orthodontists recommend ages between six and eight, which is when widening the upper jaw is very easy.
- Another concern is a big overjet. An overjet is when the upper and lower central incisors overlap. Starting treatment early gives us the time needed to help the lower jaw grow forward or push the upper jaw back into a better position.
- An underbite should be seen as early as possible too. Because of the genetic component, if the parents have an underbite, we often see them on the children also. Identifying an underbite early is important because our only way of fixing it is to bring the upper jaw forward and help it grow forward. We lose that option once the patient hits the 12-13 year old mark. Therefore, we prefer to see these children young thereby taking advantage of the ability to bring the upper jaw into the proper position.
- Also, check for crowding of teeth by looking at your child’s upper and lower front teeth. If there is crowding in the upper and lower front adult teeth, it is likely to increase as more teeth try to come in.
- Identifying these early and visiting an orthodontist at a young age allows us to start any expansion that may be required to create more space.
Download Our Free Early Treatment Orthodontics Guide
Orthodontists Associates of Western New York is proud to offer braces for all ages throughout Buffalo, Lancaster, Olean, Hamburg, Orchard Park, and Dunkirk, East Aurora, and Niagara Falls New York. If you are considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or a loved one, please contact one of our 7 convenient orthodontic offices to arrange a free consultation.
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At Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, our reputation as a leader in orthodontic care is based on one thing… Making a Healthy and Beautiful Smile