There are many issues that could inhibit healthy dental development in kids and teenagers. Many of the children that Dr. Vaysman sees have one or more of the following:
Cross Bite - This occurs when the upper teeth on one side fall inside the lower teeth on the same side when the patient closes his or her mouth. This problem needs to be corrected as it can lead to a shifting in the jaw’s alignment. The treatment for this issue usually lasts approximately 15 months, and is harder to correct later in life so it’s imperative to have it done sooner rather than later.
Crowded Lower Arch - In order to allow all permanent teeth to develop and align in their proper place, treatment for crowding is a necessity for your child. Treatment usually lasts approximately 10 months, but results in a healthy smile.
Deep Bite - This type of misalignment occurs when the top teeth completely eclipse the bottom teeth so that they are not visible when the mouth is closed. Because children’s jaws are still developing, this is a common occurrence in patients. It is important to fix early so that the lower jaw can grow to its full potential, and it can usually be done with braces or a retainer.
Open Bite - If your child sucks his or her thumb, then they are more prone to develop this type of bite, which leaves no overlap in the top or bottom teeth at the front of the mouth. For children, this can be corrected as long as the child is no longer a thumb sucker.
Spacing of the Front Teeth - When baby teeth are lost and adult teeth arrive, sometimes the new set of teeth will shift out of alignment. This can make it difficult for other teeth to appear, and in some cases early intervention treatment is needed.
Under Bite - An under bite is a misalignment of the teeth and jaw so that the top teeth sit behind the bottom teeth when the mouth is closed. If your child’s teeth are allowed to rest this way for a prolonged amount of time, it could result in prohibited jaw development. Like an open bite, if it is not corrected in time, surgery to fix the problem later in life may be necessary.