Do you think your child might need braces? We understand that beginning orthodontic care is a big decision–it’s a big cost and commitment. However, there are many risk factors that are associated with crooked teeth in children. The longer you leave their misaligned teeth untreated, the more likely they are to have issues down the road. Read on to learn more about some of the risks as well as treatment options!
If you live in Scotia, NY, and are looking for a trustworthy and experienced orthodontist for your child, look no further! Dr. Hoskinson and the rest of the team at Hoskinson Orthodontics are highly knowledgeable and skilled in both early intervention and adolescent orthodontic care. No matter how old your child is, you can be sure they will receive personalized care!
Risks Associated With Crooked Teeth
Poor Oral Hygeine
It is very easy for your child to fall into poor oral hygiene habits if they have crooked teeth. This is because having misaligned or crowded teeth makes it difficult to give each tooth the attention it needs while brushing and flossing. Developing subpar oral hygiene habits as a child can lead to a wide array of problems down the line.
Pain & Discomfort
It should be no surprise that crooked teeth can cause discomfort and even pain. When a child’s jaw is developing, misaligned and overlapping teeth can put a lot of pressure on the jaw. This can also cause regular headaches and even ear pain. Save your little one from the pain and get their teeth fixed!
Gum Disease
One common issue that stems from poor oral hygiene is gum disease, or periodontitis. This is a very common infection and is caused when proper care is not given to the teeth and gums. But the good news is that it is preventable. If not treated, periodontitis can cause teeth loss and destruction to the jawbone since it damages the bones that support the teeth. Children who deal with teeth misalignment are more likely to develop serious gum disease.
TMD
Leaving your child’s teeth crooked can put them at risk for TMD, or temporomandibular disorder. This is a disorder of the jaw and the joints and nerves associated with it. TMD causes pain, discomfort, and impaired movement of the jaw. It can be difficult to deal with and may require physical therapy. It is often caused by consistent grinding or clenching of the teeth or stress on the teeth and jaw, all of which are correlated with crooked teeth.
Speech Impediment
Did you know that leaving misaligned teeth untreated can cause speech impediments in children? When teeth do not develop properly, the gaps, overlapping, and spaces actually cause changes in tongue placement which can lead to speech difficulties. Additionally, spaces between teeth can cause whistling when speaking.
When to Begin Treatment
At Hoskinson Orthodontics, we begin early orthodontic treatment between the ages of 7 to 10 years old if it is deemed necessary. Since early intervention is not always the right direction, we perform a proper evaluation to determine if it is in your child’s best interest to continue. If so, we provide expansion treatments to allow for normal development of their adult teeth and jaw.
If your child is older, from pre-teen to teenager, we will perform traditional orthodontics that accounts for their rapidly developing and changing jaw structure. Adolescence is the prime time to perform orthodontic treatment as it allows us to work with their changing mouth and correct the misalignment as they are growing.
Visit our website to learn more about our services and treatment options for children of every age!
Choose Hoskinson Orthodontics!
Our trusted team is dedicated to making the dentist’s office a safe and comfortable space for your child! If you live in the Scotia, NY area, and think your child might need braces or orthodontic care, you’ve come to the right place. Contact us today at Hoskinson Orthodontics! We look forward to treating you and your family.