How Early Orthodontic Evaluation Helps Kids with Underbite
Orthodontic issues may result from the early loss of baby teeth, early eruption of adult teeth, and thumb-sucking. They may also be genetic or hereditary in nature. Early orthodontic evaluation can help identify and address these problems early on, preventing them from developing further as the child grows. Deciding to get early treatment in Columbia or other areas is a wise choice if you think your child may be developing an underbite.
What is an Underbite?
An underbite is a common type of orthodontic problem in which the lower jaw extends past the upper jaw. This can lead to problems with the bite, as well as with facial appearance. An underbite can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Mild cases can be corrected with early intervention. Orthodontists may recommend appliances such as expanders or braces to widen the upper jaw and align the teeth properly. In more severe cases, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to realign the jaw.
However, severe cases may only be as severe during teenage years or adulthood. This is why an early orthodontic evaluation is important, as early diagnosis and early intervention can prevent the underbite from becoming more severe.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluation
Early orthodontic evaluation and treatment for your child can help in several ways. Also known as interceptive orthodontics, pediatric orthodontists identify early warning signs of an underbite, allowing early intervention and treatment to prevent the problem from becoming worse. Here are the benefits:
#1 – It can help to correct the bite before permanent teeth begin to come in.
Kids’ teeth are expected to fall out early and adult teeth to come in gradually. At the age of seven or eight, a child should have both baby teeth and adult teeth. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, children aged seven years old needs to see an orthodontist.
It can reduce the need for extensive treatment in adolescence and adulthood. Early diagnosis allows early intervention before all permanent teeth are in and the underbite is more severe. This creates better chances to fix the problem early on and prevent it from becoming worse.
#2 – It can reduce the risk of tooth decay and damage due to misaligned teeth.
Misaligned teeth can lead to difficulty chewing and brushing, which can increase the risk of cavities and other damage. Early diagnosis and early treatment can help ensure that the teeth are properly aligned, reducing these risks.
It can improve the overall health and hygiene of your child’s mouth. Properly aligned teeth and a correct bite are easier to keep clean and healthy, reducing the risk of dental problems in the future.
#3 – Early orthodontic treatment can minimize treatment time and cost.
The earlier the treatment is done, the shorter the total treatment time is likely to be. This can save parents both money and time, as early intervention may reduce the need for more involved treatments in the future.
#4 – It avoids possible jaw pain and speech impediments.
Misaligned teeth can cause speech and articulation problems, as well as jaw pain due to the excessive strain put on the facial muscles. Early treatment can help prevent these issues from developing.
#5 – Early treatment can help improve a child’s self-esteem.
An underbite can affect a person’s appearance, leading to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem. Early orthodontic evaluation and early treatment can help address any issues early on, improving a child’s self-confidence. When children feel confident about their smiles, it helps them to feel more secure in social situations.
Consult a Pediatric Orthodontist for Early Treatment in Columbia
Dr. Leslie Pitner is a trusted and certified orthodontist with an office in Columbia, Chapin, and Downtown, SC. She has been working with orthodontic patients of all ages for many years. She has also studied positive psychology in relation to getting treatment for crooked teeth or bite problems, knowing that a great smile can change a person’s life in many ways.
Pitner Orthodontics offers early orthodontic evaluation services for children, helping to diagnose early signs of underbite and provide early treatment when necessary. During your child’s initial evaluation, we will take photos and a panoramic x-ray. With this information, we will be able to see if your child has missing teeth, teeth not erupting properly, too little or too much space for permanent teeth, or problems with the way the teeth fit together such as an underbite.
We provide braces, Invisalign, and other appliances to treat malocclusion in kids, teens, and adults. Our office also uses state-of-the-art technology, such as digital impressions and 3D X-rays, to make sure that your child is getting the best possible care.
Contact us today to learn more about early orthodontic evaluation and early treatment in Columbia at Pitner Orthodontics! We look forward to helping your child achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.