As your child grows, their smile does too. Between the ages of 6 to 8, they’re at a prime stage for monitoring dental development. Blackburn Family Orthodontics is dedicated to guiding your child’s smile as it unfolds. We recommend keeping an eye out for certain dental issues that can benefit from early evaluation. Here’s a rundown of potential concerns that may indicate your child could benefit from an orthodontic consultation.
Excessive Spacing:
Gaps may be adorable, but sometimes they signal underlying issues. Excessive spacing can result from missing teeth or could indicate that the dental arch is too wide. It’s not just about aesthetics; spacing can affect how permanent teeth come in.
Crowding:
Crowding is when there isn’t enough space for teeth to fit normally. It can lead to crooked teeth and difficulty in cleaning, which might result in cavities or gum disease. Early intervention can help manage space and guide teeth into a better position.
Open Bite:
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed. This can be due to habits like thumb-sucking or can be hereditary. It can cause speech problems and make chewing difficult.
Overbite (Deep Bite):
An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth too much. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can lead to gum damage and wear on the lower teeth.
Crossbite
(Front Teeth and Back Teeth):
Crossbites can occur at the front (anterior) or back (posterior) of the mouth. It happens when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which can lead to misaligned jaw growth and uneven wear on teeth.
Underbite:
An underbite is present when the lower front teeth are in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. This can affect the face shape and speech.
Overjet (Protrusion):
Sometimes called “buck teeth,” overjet is when the upper teeth protrude too far beyond the lower teeth. It can lead to biting and chewing problems and may increase the risk of trauma to the front teeth.
Abnormal Eruption:
Teeth that come in (erupt) at the wrong place or at the wrong time, or don’t erupt at all, should be evaluated. Abnormal eruption can affect the position of other teeth and the health of the gums.
Monitoring your child’s dental health is crucial, especially during these formative years. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up by age 7. Blackburn Family Orthodontics believes in proactive care, which is why we offer a free consultation by age 7 or as early as possible. If you notice any of these issues, or if you simply want peace of mind, we’re here to help guide your child to a healthier, happier smile.
