Dental Checkups: Guiding Straight Smiles
During your child’s dental checkup we look for a long list of concerns. True, our immediate focus includes concerns about oral health, including issues like gum disease or tooth decay. However, we also take a close look at the way your child’s teeth are developing. If they develop in such a way that will result in misalignment, it’s important that we begin discussing whether your child will require orthodontic care quite early on. The sooner we begin guiding teeth into place, the easier it is to achieve optimal results.
Visiting Us For Checkups
During your child’s dental checkup, we will take digital X-rays for a detailed look at what’s going on beneath the surface of your little one’s gums. We will also monitor your child’s smile, looking for changes and concerns in development and alignment. Because tissues are still growing and are much softer and pliable at a younger age, we suggest considering orthodontic treatment before adulthood for easier shifting. If we begin to recognize signs of misalignment, we will refer you to a trusted orthodontist. Keep in mind that preventing and addressing misalignment protect your child’s smile from stress, strain, and difficult daily hygiene.
Types Of Misalignment
There’s a long list of misalignment concerns that we may discover during your little one’s dental checkup – or, your child’s teeth may develop in the proper alignment. For an introduction into common types of malocclusions (or poor bites) consider the following:
- Overcrowding: Teeth often overlap because there is not adequate room in your child’s mouth for his or her teeth.
- Spacing: In this case, teeth will have gaps between them.
- Overbite: Your child’s top front teeth will protrude out too far.
- Underbite: Your child’s front lower teeth protrude out too far, causing them to sit in front of top teeth.
filed under: Children's Dental Services, General Dentistry