Children’s Orthodontics Q&A:
What should you expect from children’s orthodontics?
When your child needs orthodontic care, you want a team of professionals who truly enjoy children, understand their natural fears, and know how to connect with kids. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Wafelbakker Anderson Orthodontics, where everyone on the team takes the time to make sure the experience is positive — even fun — for children and their parents.
What signs indicate a need for orthodontic care?
Early or late loss of baby teeth may be a sign that your child needs an orthodontic evaluation. Children have 20 baby teeth, which should all be in by age three. Their lower front teeth are usually the first to fall out around the age of six or seven. Each child’s development is different, but if your child is too far off from these guidelines, they may need an orthodontic evaluation. Other signs include:
- Hard time chewing food
- Mouth breathing
- Finger or thumb sucking
- Crowded or misplaced teeth
- Jaws that pop, click, or hurt
- Crooked front teeth around age seven or eight
- Teeth that don’t meet properly
- Jaws and teeth that aren’t proportionate to the face
When should children have their first orthodontic evaluation?
Children should have their first orthodontic evaluation when all their baby teeth are in, and their first permanent teeth are about to appear (right around age seven). At this age, Dr. Wafelbakker or Dr. Anderson can identify problems that may exist and determine if permanent teeth are in their proper position. If it looks like a problem may develop, your orthodontist can plan treatments to coincide with growth spurts. Orthodontic treatments produce the best results while the jawbone is still maturing.
What dental problems are corrected with orthodontics?
Dr. Wafelbakker and Dr. Anderson specialize in correcting problems such as:
- Misaligned, crooked, or crowded teeth
- Missing teeth and impacted teeth
- Open bite
- Gaps between teeth
- Misalignment of the jaws, such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites
- Disorders of the jaw joint
Correcting these problems improves your child’s appearance while also protecting their health. When their teeth and jaw aren’t properly aligned, children are at risk of:
- Inability to chew food properly, leading to digestive and nutrition problems
- Uneven pressure biting, leading to broken teeth
- Difficulty cleaning teeth, leading to cavities and gum disease
- Jaw dysfunction, leading to excessive tooth wear and possible headaches
If you have any concerns or questions about your child’s dental health, please call Wafelbakker Anderson Orthodontics or book a consultation online.
