Crooked teeth in children are not a strange occurrence and there are several factors that may lead to your baby having crooked teeth. Genetics is a key contributor but there are also habits like thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, or prolonged use of pacifiers that can also lead to the development of crooked teeth.
If you suspect that your baby has developed or is developing crooked teeth, it is best to see a qualified dental specialist for kids for a thorough assessment and a tailored treatment plan. Early intervention is stressed because if left unattended, crooked teeth may pave the way to other difficult-to-deal-with issues.
For example, beyond aesthetics concerns, crooked teeth may affect speech development, hinder proper chewing, and increase the risk of dental problems like cavities or gum disease. Delaying a visit to a pediatric dental specialist could exacerbate these issues, and potentially require complex treatments like braces or dental surgeries.
What Will the Dentist do for Crooked Teeth in my Child?
First things first, if you’re seeing an experienced kid’s dental specialist in Singapore, for crooked teeth, you can expect them to begin by assessing the teeth through a series of steps. For example, they will conduct a thorough examination, which may involve X-rays and impressions.
Based on this evaluation, dentists analyze the severity and underlying causes to determine the best treatment. That said, here are some of the treatments that a pediatric dentist may recommend for crooked teeth in your child;
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Habit Appliances
Persistent thumb sucking or pacifier use can affect tooth alignment. So, if it is determined that thumb sucking or extended pacifier use is the reason for the crooked teeth, behavioral therapy is often the first approach.
If this fails, a removable plastic plate can be affixed to the teeth to discourage the habit. Early intervention usually allows natural realignment.
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Space Maintainers
Early loss of baby teeth due to decay might lead to neighboring teeth shifting. This shift may affect the alignment of permanent teeth and make the teeth to be crooked.
And here’s where space maintainers come in. Often stainless steel devices, space maintainers can help preserve space and guide permanent teeth.
Regular monitoring and good oral hygiene are necessary for their upkeep. For older children losing a permanent tooth due to trauma, removable plastic plates with an acrylic tooth may be used to simulate the lost one. This tooth can also help maintain space until more permanent treatment, like an implant, becomes feasible.
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Interceptive Orthodontics
Malocclusions appearing with permanent teeth eruption can be corrected through interceptive orthodontics. Early diagnosis (around age 6) is key in preventing severe misalignments.
Early intervention can also help minimize the need for future orthodontic treatments. A thorough assessment by your kid’s dental specialist in Singapore will be needed to determine the optimal timing and methods for correction if interceptive orthodontics are recommended.
Interventions might begin as early as age 8 where the baby is required to use metal braces or removable plates. This method tackles issues like cross-bites, mild crowding, and certain jaw discrepancies.
Typically, braces are worn around age 12. However, interceptive orthodontics aims to start treatment earlier to minimize extensive corrections later on.
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Braces
Traditional braces effectively correct misalignments by applying pressure over time to gradually straighten the teeth. They consist of brackets, wires, and elastic bands and are adjusted periodically by the dentist or orthodontist.
Braces are ideal for addressing severe misalignments or complicated cases as they offer precise and controlled tooth movement. Advancements like ceramic braces or clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign) provide discreet options for older children.
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Orthodontic Headgear
Headgear might be recommended for certain cases, especially when correcting severe overbites or underbites. It applies external pressure to guide jaw growth, and align teeth properly.
Orthodontic headgear is typically worn at specific times, like during sleep or at home. They can be used to complement other orthodontic treatments to achieve optimal results.
How do I Stop my Child from Having Crooked Teeth?
While your kid’s dental specialist in Singapore can help you fix crooked teeth in your baby, you also have a role to play in preventing your child from having crooked teeth. If you’re wondering how to, here are a few suggestions you may find helpful;
- Establish Good Oral Habits: Initiate dental care early, with regular check-ups when the first teeth emerge. Guide proper brushing techniques and supervise until they can brush independently (twice a day for two minutes). This habit formation lays a foundation for lifelong dental health.
- Curbing Thumb-Sucking: To break the habit, encourage alternatives to thumb-sucking. Breaking thumb-sucking habit can help prevent potential damage to front teeth and the mouth’s structure. Identify triggers—like hunger or boredom—to intervene, helping your child break this habit before the age of three.
- Early Intervention: Regular dental visits aid in early problem detection. Your kid’s dental specialist can identify issues and assess if orthodontic treatment is necessary. Starting treatment in childhood may reduce the duration of wearing braces in the teen years, rectifying crooked teeth or misaligned bites.
- Promptly Address Tooth Loss: Act swiftly if a tooth is lost due to injury or decay. Consulting the dentist immediately prevents adjacent teeth from shifting into the gap to avoid potential crookedness. Emphasize good oral hygiene and the use of mouthguards during sports to prevent tooth loss.
- Monitor Oral Health Continuously: Vigilance is key. Encourage consistent oral care and regular dental visits. Ensure your child adheres to recommended dental practices, reinforcing the importance of oral health in their daily routine.
Closing Thoughts
The cases of crooked teeth are not the same. So, a knowledgeable kid’s specialist in Singapore will be keen to assess your baby’s condition before recommending any treatment. Proper assessment is key for addressing specific causes and age-related considerations.
Do you wish to schedule an appointment with a kid’s dental specialist in Singapore but are unsure where to find a reliable one? Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Nicole of An Dental for a thorough assessment and a personalized treatment plan plus guidance to safeguard your baby’s teeth. To schedule your appointment, call or visit us at;
An Dental – Orchard Dentist | Dental Implant | Wisdom Tooth Extraction | Kids Dentistry Singapore
International Building (Next to Lido)
360 Orchard Road #03-06/07
Singapore 238869
