Orthodontists are dentists who are trained in diagnosing and treating misalignments of the teeth and jaw. Orthodontists who treat children focus on the development of the teeth and jaws and on preventing or correcting problems with misalignment. Once permanent teeth begin to grow in, you or your child's dentist might notice problems with some or all of the teeth. Adult teeth usually grow in at proper angles with appropriate spacing. The field of orthodontics can help children whose teeth do not follow normal growth patterns.
Malocclusions
Malocclusions, a term that means "bad bite," may be inherited traits or they may be caused by dental disease, medical conditions, accidents or behaviors, such as thumb-sucking. Malocclusions include overlapping, crowded, crooked or twisted teeth; some people have large spaces between the teeth. Misalignments of the jaw can cause an overbite, which forces the upper jaw to hang over the lower jaw. An underbite occurs when the lower jaw protrudes past the lower jaw. Other malocclusions are crossbites of the front or back teeth, open bites and protrusions.
Side Effects
Misaligned teeth and jaws can cause problems with eating and poorly chewed food affects digestion. Children may have difficulty brushing and flossing crooked teeth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Problems with a child's bite also affect the jaws and can cause tooth loss and erosion of tooth enamel. Poorly aligned teeth can interfere with speech and cause your child to be self-conscious about his appearance.
Prevention
Dentists and orthodontists can tell before your child has lost her baby teeth if she will have problems with misaligned teeth or jaws. The American Academy of Orthodontics recommends that children have an orthodontic examination by the time they are 7 years old. If problems are seen during the examination, the orthodontist can monitor the development of your child's teeth and jaws to determine if and when treatment is indicated. Early examination and treatment allows the orthodontist to correct problems before they worsen or cause permanent damage.
Treatment
Dentists may employ interceptive treatment therapy, which involves wearing corrective dental appliances to influence the proper growth of teeth and jaws, before referring a child to an orthodontist, the TeensHealth website explains. Dentists and orthodontists use impressions of your child's teeth, X-rays and examinations to diagnose misalignment problems. The orthodontist might also take photographs of your child's face to look for misalignment of features or jaws. Orthodontia, which includes braces and other orthodontic appliances, may be required to guide the growth of your child's jaw or protect protruding teeth from trauma. Braces are adjusted periodically as the position of teeth changes.
Orthodontia
Some children require a removable retainer to correct a bite problem, while others require braces. Braces straighten teeth because they apply consistent pressure over a long period of time. Parents and children have many choices for the construction and affixing of braces. Braces are made of metal, plastic or porcelain. Braces may be fitted over each tooth or around the outer surfaces of the teeth. Invisible braces are attached to the inside of the teeth; mini braces are smaller than regular braces; braceless orthodontics are clear and removable.
