One key point about your child’s development is that by the time of their 7th birthday they usually will have most or all of their permanent teeth in place, providing an orthodontist an ideal opportunity to identify any potential issues which could become future concerns.

Seeking professional advice from Kestevan BCDA dental could ensure that your child receives preventative treatments that promote proper growth patterns for their teeth as they develop.

What should you look out for as indicators that it might be beneficial to visit an orthodontist?

Here are a few typical issues that should be taken seriously as soon as possible for optimal results.

Is Their Dental Alignment Overcrowded?

An easy mistaken belief might be that your child’s crowded teeth are simply due to a difference in growth rate and that all will settle as they develop.

Crowded teeth are a common concern among children. A dental professional should assess this condition so there is enough space for permanent teeth. Corrective measures may need to be taken so they have enough room to erupt.

Be Vigilant for Signs of an Underbite

An underbite occurs when your child’s lower front teeth are out of alignment with his or her upper front teeth.

An underbite problem should be investigated to avoid discomfort and future issues.

Does Your Child Suck Their Thumb?

Many children seek relief by sucking their thumb, yet this habit could potentially have detrimental effects on teeth or jaw growth.

If your child regularly sucking their thumb or fingers, it would be prudent to consult an orthodontist in order to assess if this behavior could be creating dental issues.

Is Your Child Affected by a Crossbite?

Crossbites occur when an individual’s upper teeth come into alignment on the inside of their lower teeth, so any signs of crossbite must be monitored closely and checked upon.

Dealing with Numerous Tooth Gaps

Common issues for your child could include excessive spacing between their teeth.

Consider getting this checked rather than making the assumption that everything will fall into place eventually.

Irregular Jaw Movement: Recognizing the Signs

Functional shift is when the jaw moves noticeably to one side each time the teeth meet; an orthodontist should investigate this phenomenon further.

Irregular Tooth Count: Identifying the Discrepancy

Children often develop dental issues when they either have extra teeth or some that are missing.

At any rate, this dental issue should be dealt with quickly.

Mismatched Bite Pattern: Recognizing the Issue

If your child exhibits an anomaly whereby their upper and lower teeth do not align correctly or don’t meet at all, this should be investigated immediately.

All of these issues are common dental development challenges that can usually be corrected quickly for better dental health and increased self-confidence in your child. By treating their teeth early on in their lives, early treatment could save time later down the line.

If you suspect any of these problems or have any doubts, it would be advisable to visit an orthodontist immediately. Early prognosis and treatment often leads to better results.