What Causes Toddler Underbite and How to Treat It
What Causes Toddler Underbite and How to Treat It
An underbite in children is one of the popular alignment issues. When your youngster bites down, their upper teeth will protrude somewhat more than their lower teeth. On the other hand, an underbite causes the lower teeth to jut out further than the upper teeth. When the lower jaw moves forward, it causes an underbite, a class III orthodontic misalignment, malocclusion. In the normal development of your teeth, the front teeth should be a little bit over the lower teeth.
If your toddler has an underbite, this isn’t anything to be concerned about, but it would help to consider treatment options for this dental condition. It’s always better to receive an earlier treatment than late.
What causes underbite?
You can see signs of underbite in your children just by looking at their faces, but there are other signs to look out for that could indicate that your child is developing this type of malocclusion. An underbite can be spotted in children who have trouble eating, have speech issues, snore or experience sleep apnea.
The development of an underbite is strongly influenced by genetics. Was there a family history that a family member experienced underbite? If this is the case, your child has a higher probability of developing one as well. Thumb sucking, tongue pushing, prolonged use of a pacifier or bottle, and injuries to the jaw are all common causes of underbites in children besides heredity.
Is it normal for toddlers to have an underbite?
An underbite is a pretty common issue among youngsters. If you’ve noticed that your child has an underbite, you should talk to your dentist about it and make an appointment with an orthodontist right away.
If your child has an underbite, the best time to treat them is 7 to 10. Widening the upper jaw, for example, can allow permanent teeth to emerge in a more favorable location than they would have otherwise.
An early orthodontic treatment plan would substantially impact the overall dental health of every child who needs it.
Do you need to correct your child’s underbite?
Underbites can cause chewing and eating issues, excessive jaw pain (such as TMJ), difficulty speaking, risk of tooth decay due to worn down enamel, sleep apnea, snoring, and difficulty sleeping.
Because of the numerous difficulties, an underbite should be addressed immediately once noticed. Fortunately, there are different ways available such as braces, orthodontic appliances, and surgery.
How can you fix a toddler’s underbite?
Dental treatments for your child’s underbite depend on how extreme or mild it is. Moreover, common treatments are the following:
Surgery
You may only fix an extreme underbite through underbite surgery. Surgery should only be considered as a last option following extensive discussion with your child’s dentist.
Appliances
Your child’s orthodontist can create a special appliance for your child’s mouth. Among them are expanders, retainers, and headgear.
Braces
Braces can correct different forms of misalignment, including bite issues. It is also one of the most common ways to correct an underbite. Children can have questions about getting braces or be self-conscious about looking with metal ones. They have the option of clear braces, which are less apparent than metal braces.
Read more: What Are Expanders: A Brief Guide to Orthodontic Expanders for Kids
Upper jaw expander
An upper jaw expander is a simple appliance that is used to place across your child’s palate. It’s is a wire-frame device. You press a specific key to slightly widen the jaw expander each night. This procedure leads the upper jaw to broaden until there is no longer an underbite. Patients often wear this gadget for about a year before switching to a retainer to keep their teeth in place.
Contact Junior Smiles of Stafford to learn more about underbite in toddlers
Have you noticed that your toddler is developing underbite? Are you wondering whether it’s time to get it fixed or should you wait for a few more months? If you have questions in your mind about it, get in touch with a pediatric dentist immediately. It is our goal to make your child’s dental appointments a pleasant and stress-free experience.
Why Choose Junior Smiles of Stafford?
Our Stafford, VA team is well-versed in working with clients of various ages and backgrounds. They’ll take the time to get to know you and your family’s requirements, and they’ll work with you to design a treatment plan that suits your schedule. Sealants and fluoride treatments are just two of the many preventative care options we provide to keep your mouth healthy.
About Us
Visiting Junior Smiles of Stafford means you’re in good hands when it comes to receiving high-quality care. Your child’s dental health improves with each visit, ensuring a brighter smile for years to come. We adhere to the ADA and AAPD’s guidelines for best practices.
Where Are We Located?
Phone: (540) 699-2441
Fax: (540) 699-2464
Email: info@juniorsmilesofstafford.com
Monday and Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fridays and Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (By appointment only)
How to Book Your Kids First Appointment at Junior Smiles of Stafford
Fill out the form on our website. Within 24 hours, a member of our team will get back to you.