A parent’s guide to issues with kids teeth

In this short article, we will look closely at the individual issues more related to individual kids teeth issues. On the whole, we look at both the bite and teeth to ensure the optimal treatment plan for your child.

Crowded teeth and spacing issues

While it can be obvious if there is too much space or not enough, there can be more to consider. Are the teeth too large or too small? Have they fully developed? Are one or more of your kids teeth missing? While an x-ray will show most of these issues, it is the experience of the practitioner that will allow for a correct diagnosis and recommend an ideal treatment plan. Leaving these issues untreated can be unattractive, difficult to clean and may affect speech.

“Rabbit or buck teeth”

This term refers to when the teeth protrude out from the mouth and is most noticeable when looked at from the side (profile angle) of the face. It can be associated with an overbite, but not always, as overbite is when the upper jaw sits too far forward in relation to the lower jaw. Some may think this kids teeth issue is “cute,” but it can lead to other issues and make teeth prone to accidental damage.

Missing teeth

This leaves unattractive spaces and prevents other teeth from having proper guidance when they do erupt. There are certain issues you should be aware of with young children. Missing or early loss of baby teeth before the age of 5 and also late loss of baby teeth after the age of 6 should lead to a visit to an orthodontist. Being attentive to when teeth erupt or fall out, and seeing an orthodontist, will act as a preventative measure to decrease the chances of requiring reactive treatment such as braces for kids when they are older.

Impacted teeth (in some cases also ectopic)

This occurs when the space for teeth to grow into is insufficient. It affects the way the teeth develop, and can lead to development in an unusual direction. Often they will push through the gum into the mouth, with wisdom teeth being a good example of such a case. In children, impacted canines are more common, and the issue can be picked up and treated between the ages of 10-14.

Orthodontic treatment for kids teeth

Treatment of all these issues is recommended while children are young, but in some cases may not be necessary until the children are older or at all. Financial pressures also influence decisions as to when treatment will start and to what extent it will proceed. At MP Orthodontics, we take the time to work out your child’s treatment plan, based on all these factors, to provide you the best option at the right time. Please use this information as a guide, but don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. We are always happy to advise you about the next steps, if needed, for your child.

MP Orthodontics is an orthodontic practice based in Cheltenham, Melbourne. Working from the belief that orthodontic treatment is much more than working with teeth and creating smiles, treating orthodontists – Dr Martin Poon and Dr Geoff Hall – approach patients as people first. Their approach is to work together and plan and implement treatment that meets each individual’s needs. Drawing on 30 plus years experience of helping children gain confidence through tailored treatment, MP Orthodontics, is a truly unique orthodontic practice.