Most Common Orthodontic Problems In Kids

We all know that braces (and other orthodontic appliances) help to correct “crooked teeth.”  But if you are a new patient, you may be wondering what does that really mean? There are several orthodontic issues that fall into the category of misaligned teeth. Some kids may only have one and others may have a combination of a few of them. Let’s take a look at some of the most common orthodontic problems in kids.

An overbite is when your top teeth protrude or extend a significant amount past your bottom teeth. Although it is not a term that we would generally use, you may have heard of an overbite referred to as “buck teeth”.

Based on what you just read about an overbite, it is not hard to guess what an underbite is. It is when the bottom teeth extend farther than your top teeth. An underbite is less common than an overbite but still occurs relatively frequently.

Are you sensing a theme here? Bite problems occur often. A crossbite is when your teeth do not line up properly when your mouth is closed. It can happen to a single tooth or groups of teeth.

Spacing problems occur when there is too much room for your teeth, which results in gaps between your teeth. This can occur between several teeth or just between two. It is common to see spacing issues between the top front teeth.

Crowding is the opposite of spacing and occurs when there is not enough room in the mouth for the teeth. This can result in what most people would picture when they think of crooked teeth.

Misplaced alignment occurs when there is an asymmetry issue in the mouth that results in the two upper front teeth and the two lower front teeth do not align or match up properly.

Reading this list may be a bit overwhelming when you realize just how many things can go “wrong” orthodontically in a child’s mouth. Unfortunately, there is not a lot that you can do to prevent common orthodontic problems in kids from naturally occurring. The good news is that these can be corrected with orthodontic treatment.

Be sure to schedule your child’s first orthodontic appointment by the age of 7. Even if he/she are not quite ready for braces, he/she may be a good candidate for other orthodontic appliances that can lessen orthodontic issues down the road. There is also the potential that becoming an observation patient at an early age can shorten treatment times and prevent the need for more intensive or uncomfortable procedures. When it is time to choose between braces, clear braces, or clear aligner trays, Dr. Aimee Skelton will be able to help you decide what is best for your child.

Contact us today to schedule your first appointment. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you and providing the quality orthodontic treatment you deserve and the customer service you expect.