It’s important to know which problems to watch for in growing children since orthodontic problems can begin before age 7. It’s a good idea to take your child in for an evaluation by an orthodontist by this age to see if there are any issues that require early intervention.
Problems to Watch For in Growing Children:
- Crossbite in front of teeth
Top teeth are behind bottom teeth - Crossbite of back teeth
Top teeth are to the inside of bottom teeth - Crowding
- Open Bite
Front teeth do not meet when the back teeth are closed - Protrusion
- Deep bite
- Underbite
The lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth Sucking on thumb, fingers when back teeth are closed - Spacing
- Oral Habits
Sucking on thumb, fingers, Malocclusions (“bad bites”) may benefit from early diagnosis and referral to an orthodontic specialist for a full evaluation.
In addition, if you notice any of the following in your child, check with Dr. Taylor:
UNDERBITE SPACING ORAL HABITS
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Speech difficulties
- Biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth
- Facial imbalance
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
The American Association of Orthodontics has additional information and photos of some examples of problems to watch for in growing children. Click here to review. Final treatment decisions should be made by the parent, the child’s dentist and Dr. Taylor.
Source: American Association of Orthodontists
