If your child's teeth appear to be growing in a crooked pattern, you may feel that their dental misalignment is harmless. After all, the teeth may still be healthy-looking, and the child may not be complaining about any discomfort. Still, although crooked teeth may seem harmless, they sometimes aren't.
Here are a few problems that may develop due to a child's dental misalignment.
Children with misaligned teeth may have trouble pronouncing words correctly. If the misalignment is not corrected, the child may maintain a speech impediment through adulthood.
As words are formed, the tongue presses against the boundary of the teeth. Properly aligned teeth with no bite issues tend to form a uniform border around the tongue. Additionally, the side teeth and front teeth of the upper palate meet their lower-palate counterparts when the mouth is closed.
The irregular placement of the teeth can make it difficult for a child to enunciate certain consonant sounds, such as /th/ or /s/. If prompt orthodontic treatment is received, the speech problems may resolve on their own. However, if the problems are allowed to continue for many years, a speech therapist may be needed even after the teeth have been properly positioned.
As a child grows old enough to enter school, they may be increasingly concerned about how others perceive their appearance. A child with crooked teeth may be teased about the look of their smile. Additionally, the child may notice that their teeth appear different from those of their classmates. Issues with teasing and self-consciousness can negatively impact a youngster's self-esteem.
Although parents may feel that braces will cause a child to be self-conscious, that is not always the case. Modern orthodontic options are available in a number of designs, including clear braces, which include clear or tooth-colored brackets. Some kids even choose to express their own individuality by adding colored bands to their braces.
Also, clear plastic aligners may be suitable for teens. The aligners include no brackets and are difficult to discern in the mouth.
Children who suffer from dental crowding may be unable to floss effectively, leading to cavities between their teeth. These dental caries may progress, necessitating invasive treatments such as root canal therapy or even extractions.
To treat crowding, the orthodontist may suggest the removal of one or more teeth before the teeth are straightened.
To learn about orthodontic options that may be suitable for your child, schedule an appointment with a kids orthodontist in your local area.