While the majority of children at this age don’t need any orthodontic treatment, there’s a significant percentage that do need early interceptive treatment, for problems that include excess space, top teeth sticking out, upper teeth that are stuck behind the lower teeth, etc. Following is a brief overview of what’s not normal in a 7-year-old that would be best corrected early, before all the adult teeth are in place.
Severe Crowding
Crowding takes place when there’s insufficient room for the normal arrangement of teeth. Crowding can cause teeth to come in too high, behind the other teeth, or sideways. Crooked teeth are more difficult to clean which can lead to health issues with the teeth and gums. Early orthodontic treatment can make room for all the adult teeth.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion basically means the teeth are not aligned properly. Following are the 3 different categories of malocclusion.
Class 1
This is the most common malocclusion. In this case, the bite is normal, however, the upper teeth marginally overlap the lower teeth.
Class 2 – Overbite
Severe overbites occur when the upper jaw and teeth overlap the bottom jaw and teeth. Based on the severity of your child’s overbite, the problem can often be corrected early on using removable retainers. In some cases, using removable retainers can eliminate the need for comprehensive orthodontic work in the future.
Class 3 – Underbite
With an underbite, the lower jaw lands in front of the upper jaw. This kind of bite problem is the result of a growth issue in the upper jaw. This problem is best addressed during the child’s active growth stage. If not treated early, underbite problems can result in jaw surgery when the child becomes a young adult.
If you notice that your child is showing any of the above issues with their teeth, you don’t need a referral from your family dentist to see an orthodontist. Give E&S Orthodontics a call today to set up a consultation. Even if you’re not sure if there’s a real problem, a consultation will provide you with an overview of your child’s current growth and development. You’ll also receive valuable insight into any orthodontic needs they may have down the road.
