Orthodontic treatment in children aims to ensure favorable eruption and alignment of teeth to guarantee a delightful smile throughout their life. Dental care starts with baby teeth, which includes identifying several orthodontic disorders at a young age and subsequent treatment. Brendan Smith, DDS, MS, offers Cedar Park children’s orthodontics by applying various techniques and interventions. Here is everything you need to know about children’s orthodontics.
Common children orthodontics disorders
As a parent, it is vital to know the various orthodontic disorders in your child at a young age and their reasons. Identifying the problems early can ensure you get the right intervention before things get out of hand.
A baby tooth can fail to erupt properly, leading to a displacement of the adjacent teeth and a lack of space to support the development of a permanent tooth. An orthodontist can assess the condition of the teeth and recommend the best treatment.
At a young age, kids should have sufficient gaps between the primary teeth, and if these are absent, there will be less space for the permanent teeth, leading to overcrowding. In this case, you need to consult an orthodontist who assesses the condition of the teeth.
Another severe condition in small kids is an incorrect bite where several teeth fail to close. The problem can manifest in baby teeth, and it is important to talk to your child’s orthodontists about it, who may recommend braces to align the teeth.
After the appearance of the first baby or milk tooth, there is a risk of developing baby bottle tooth decay. It occurs when you feed your child with bottled milk, especially at night which can lead to severe decay. Your doctor can detect this during a regular visit and advise accordingly on preventive measures such as avoiding bottle feeding at night.
Examination
Most dental problems in small kids start from the age of 3 to 12 and can be due to a combination of factors. During an orthodontic appointment, your doctor begins by examining the tooth and may conduct an x-ray to assess the jawbone and alignment of the tooth.
Treatment and preventive measures
The orthodontist may recommend proper cleansing of teeth for children to prevent dental caries. Professional oral hygiene is recommended for kids from the age of 4, and doctors can use effective techniques to remove the plaque on the tooth.
Doctors often apply local anesthesia when carrying out complex procedures to ensure the child is at ease and does not experience pain during treatment. In addition, the doctors assess the presence of extra teeth and oral cavities. The soft tissues such as the gums and tongue are examined and whether there is a change in the jaw.
It is vital to commence your kid’s orthodontic examination and treatment early enough to save their teeth and improve their oral health. Teeth problems can dent a child’s self-confidence, which can extend into adulthood. Contact the experts at Freedom Orthodontics and kick start your child’s dental health journey.