As a parent, it may be a strong concern for you that your child’s teeth are crooked. Crooked teeth are not always a sign of danger in small children. This is because they still have primary teeth. For problems like spacing, nature corrects it. Your child’s teeth will get bigger and close out gaps. However, for crowded teeth, there is a chance that it may indicate future problems for their permanent teeth.
It is recommended that children get an early orthodontic evaluation by the time they are seven years old. Doing this is crucial if you have serious concerns about your child’s crooked teeth. This is an ideal age to check out if they have an underbite, an overbite, or any problems they can get ahead of. It does not even require immediate treatment if you are uncomfortable. It just provides a head start so you can pre-plan for orthodontic care whenever your child is ready for it.
At Beauty Smile Orthodontics, we provide such evaluations for all members of the family. And if any problems require immediate attention for the children, we ensure to employ the most conservative methods to correct them.
Can You Prevent Crooked Teeth
You cannot entirely prevent your child from having crooked teeth or not needing braces and Invisalign when they get older. This is because they are sometimes a result of genetics.
However, you can take measures on core dental issues like overcrowding. A dental space maintainer is recommended if your child has lost their baby teeth too early or has a missing permanent tooth. Also, you can prevent problems by helping your child stop habits such as thumb sucking and getting early treatment for mouth breathing or tongue posturing issues. This prevents further complications, especially with their bite.
Is Crooked Teeth a Significant Problem for Children?
As earlier mentioned, crooked teeth are not always a problem. Sometimes, fixing it may be a cosmetic need. But in children, it may cause chewing difficulty and, in extreme cases, difficulty speaking. This may have a developmental impact, which can be worrisome.
Crooked teeth also make the enamel wear out faster, causing other dental problems. As a preventive measure and for your child’s sake, please consult an Orthodontist.
Treatment Options for Correcting Crooked Teeth in Children.
- Metal Braces
These are well known to be very effective in correcting crooked teeth. Modern metal braces are sleek and compact than older models. They are great for treating children and teenagers with serious orthodontic problems. What makes it even more popular is that the kids can customize their metal braces with colorful elastics.
- Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces function similarly to metal braces. The brackets are, however, made of a sturdy ceramic material that is relatively inconspicuous and much less noticeable than metal ones. If your child has concerns about how metal braces look, they may prefer this.
- Invisalign
As an alternative to braces, you can explore Invisalign treatment, but only for your teenage children. Invisalign uses clear aligners manufactured using a 3D model of your mouth. They are removable and are near invisible, so your teenage child should have less resistance to them than braces. While Invisalign for adults and teenagers operate the same way, the aligners made specifically for younger patients contain extras like replacement aligners and eruption tabs for unaligned teeth.
Get Orthodontic Treatment in Illinois Today
If your child’s crooked teeth are a major concern for you, book a consultation in our Mokena or Bolingbrook offices. We provide orthodontic treatment that you can trust for all members of the family. Reach out to us here today.