How to Recognise and Address Teeth Alignment Problems in Kids
Giving your child a straighter smile isn't just about aesthetics—it's also about their overall dental health. Teeth alignment problems can start in early childhood and may grow into more complex issues if left unaddressed.
In this guide, we outline common signs of misalignment in children and provide advice on how parents can take action promptly.
Types of Teeth Alignment Problems in Children
There are several common dental alignment issues to watch out for in children, such as:
Crowding: When the teeth do not have enough space in the mouth to fit properly.
Spacing: Gaps or spaces between the teeth due to missing teeth or excess space.
Posterior Crossbite: When the upper and lower teeth do not align properly at the back of the mouth.
Anterior Crossbite: When the upper front teeth fall behind the lower front teeth.
Open Bite: A condition where the front teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed, creating an open space.
Deep Bite: Occurs when the upper teeth stick out over the lower teeth excessively.
Overjet (Protrusion): When the upper front teeth stick out beyond the lower front teeth.
Ectopic eruption: This occurs when a tooth emerges in an abnormal position, which can disrupt the alignment of other teeth.
Supernumerary or Missing Teeth: Supernumerary teeth are extra teeth that can cause crowding or misalignment while missing teeth can create gaps.
Teeth impaction: This happens when a tooth is unable to fully erupt, often due to blockage or space issues.
The Importance of Early Dental Intervention
If you do not treat your child's teeth alignment issues, they can grow into complications such as difficulty chewing, jaw pain, and even speech problems. Detecting and addressing these problems early will prevent these problems from worsening as your kid ages. Plus, orthodontic treatments for kids are usually less invasive and also produce better results.
How to Address Teeth Alignment Issues in Children
An experienced orthodontist in Singapore can assess your child’s teeth and bite to determine whether alignment problems exist. Following this, they will be able to offer advice on the best course of action.
Options for growing kids include:
1. Braces
Traditional braces consisting of brackets, wires, and bands are a proven method for aligning teeth and correcting bite issues. They apply consistent pressure to the teeth, gradually shifting them into the correct position over time. While they may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other orthodontic options, they are an effective solution for children with more complex teeth alignment issues.
2. Invisalign First
Invisalign First is an early orthodontic treatment developed for children above the age of seven whose adult teeth are still coming in. While they work similarly to Invisalign's comprehensive clear aligner treatment, Invisalign First’s Eruption Compensation feature allows it to adapt to the process of baby teeth falling out and the growth of new permanent teeth. Additionally, they are a more discreet, comfortable, and removable option, making them ideal for younger patients.
3. Growth Modification Appliances
Kids with jaw problems can benefit from growth modification appliances like headgear and expanders. These help to shape the jaw and allow permanent teeth to grow properly.
An example of this is the Invisalign Palatal Expander. This tool is designed to gently and gradually widen the upper jaw over time, creating space for permanent teeth to emerge and align properly. Your orthodontist will customise the expander to fit your child’s upper arch and make periodic adjustments to ensure optimal results.
Addressing these problems early will help your child avoid more invasive treatments like surgery later on to save time and money.
Early Steps for Better Oral Health
Addressing teeth alignment problems in children early plays a key role in their long-term oral health. By following the advice in this guide, you can save your kid from the hassle and pain of complex dental issues in the future.
Noticing signs of teeth misalignment in your kid? Don't hesitate to take action. At Align Braces Clinic, our kid-friendly environment will help even the fussiest child stay comfortable from start to finish. Plus, we offer student pricing to make orthodontic care more accessible for you and your family.
Get in touch with us and book your child’s first appointment today.