When Is a Pulpotomy Necessary?
If your child has a cavity that’s reached past the outer part of the tooth, they may need a pulpotomy, also called a “baby root canal.” Learn when to consider the procedure and what it involves.
Why You Shouldn’t Neglect Your Child’s Overbite
The top teeth need to sit in front of the bottom teeth slightly for teeth to function properly and remain healthy. But, when the top row of teeth overlaps the bottom one by more than 2-4mm, it’s called an overbite.
Overbite is extremely common among kids. Because of that, many parents may think it’s not serious or that their kids will grow out of it. However, that assumption can lead to problems down the road.
At Kids Dental Center, in Greenbelt, Maryland, leading pediatric dentist Dr. Bosede Adeniji and our dedicated team provide outstanding dental care to kids alongside customized support for their parents.
Today’s blog explains why it’s so important to look after your child’s overbite and also explains what you can do about it.
Why you shouldn’t ignore an overbite
An untreated overbite can cause a range of dental and health problems, including:
Jaw pain
An overbite can strain the jaw, leading to chronic soreness and discomfort.
Gum problems
An overbite forces teeth out of their ideal positions, which can damage the gums and may also cause gum recession.
Tooth wear
Overbites can cause excessive wear on tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities.
Breathing problems
An overbite can narrow your child’s airway, making it harder to breathe and causing problems like snoring and daytime drowsiness.
Self-esteem problems
On top of all the health issues, an overbite can have severe consequences for your child’s self-esteem. A severe overbite may lead to relentless teasing, damaging your child emotionally.
These issues not only affect your child’s physical and mental health but can also affect their overall well-being. That’s why early intervention is key.
What can I do about my child’s overbite?
We recommend that children have their first orthodontic evaluation before age 7, based on American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) guidelines.
At this age, we can assess your child’s jaw growth and teeth alignment to determine whether potential problems exist. For many children, early orthodontic intervention can reduce the need for extensive braces or other treatments.
Addressing these issues while your child’s jaw is still growing is ideal because the teeth and jaw are more responsive to correction than when they’re fully developed.
Orthodontic treatment for kids is typically divided into two phases:
Phase one orthodontics
Phase one focuses on correcting jaw growth issues and misalignment at around age 6-9. Most kids have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth at this age. This phase often involves interventions like palatal expanders, spacers, and tooth extractions, but may also include braces.
Phase two orthodontics
Phase two starts after your child has all their permanent teeth. At this stage, the focus shifts to aligning the teeth for optimal function and appearance using braces.
We understand that children may feel self-conscious about braces, which is why we offer a variety of discreet options, including Invisalign®, braces with clear brackets, and lingual braces that go on the back of the teeth.
If you’ve noticed signs of an overbite in your child, don’t wait for it to worsen. Call Kids Dental Center at 301-345-2881 to schedule an appointment today.
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