Rising Star is our program that provides children ages 5 to 10 with quality care to prepare to reach their smile’s full potential!
Orthodontics for Kids Under 7
The goal of early treatment is to intercept the developing challenges in children’s mouths and jaws to provide adequate space for incoming permanent teeth. Some orthodontic issues may be easier to correct if they are found and treated early. A patient may require a second course of treatment after all permanent teeth have come in to move those teeth into their best positions.
Seeing an orthodontist by age 7 can help young patients developing certain issues like:
- Crossbite: This occurs when a child’s upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth. It can cause uneven wear on teeth, gum disease, and bone loss if not treated.
- Open Bite: Characterized by a noticeable gap between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This can lead to difficulties in biting and chewing, as well as speech impediments.
- Deep Bite: This happens when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. It can cause tooth wear and jaw pain.
- Underbite: In this condition, the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth, potentially leading to jaw pain and challenges with biting and chewing.
- Protrusion: This refers to teeth that stick out, often caused by thumb-sucking or pacifier use. It can affect a child’s appearance and increase the risk of injury to those teeth.
- Crowding: Occurs when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all of the teeth. This can lead to difficulty in cleaning teeth and increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Spacing: Gaps between teeth can be a cosmetic concern and may also affect how well teeth function.
- Oral Habits: Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and prolonged use of a bottle can lead to orthodontic issues such as misaligned teeth.
If these issues are left untreated, they can lead to more serious oral health problems, including difficulties in eating and speaking, and self-esteem issues due to their teeth.
Kids have a mix of baby and permanent teeth around age 7. Our orthodontists are uniquely trained to evaluate children’s growth as well as the exchange of baby teeth for permanent teeth. Orthodontists are expertly qualified to determine whether a problem exists, or if one is developing.
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