WORDS ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR SARASWATHY DEVI SINNIAH
 FEATURED EXPERTASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR SARASWATHY DEVI SINNIAH Consultant Orthodontist and Senior Lecturer Faculty of Dentistry Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) |
Crooked teeth, also known as malocclusion, can start developing in children as young as 6 years old.
While some cases can wait for treatment, others may benefit from early intervention.
Parents, here is what you need to know to preserve your child’s smile.
WHAT IS DEVELOPING MALOCCLUSION?
- Developing malocclusion refers to crooked teeth or jaw misalignment that begins early in childhood and is not a part of normal growth.
- This often begins to appear around age 6, when the baby and adult teeth co-exist. However, it can also occur earlier or later.
WHY EARLY DETECTION MATTERS
Early detection by an orthodontist ensures that your child gets the right treatment at the right time.
If everything is progressing normally, regular check-ups are important to keep things on track.
| An orthodontist is a dentist that has undergone an additional 3 to 4 years of specialty training in diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws (malocclusion). Apart from performing specialized orthodontic treatment, orthodontists also manage multi-disciplinary cases with other dental specialists, such as the maxillofacial surgeon, prosthodontist, paediatric dental specialist, periodontist and others. |
WHAT CAN AN ORTHODONTIST DO TO HELP A CHILD WITH DEVELOPING MALOCCLUSION?
Here are some typical issues that can be addressed by the orthodontist.
Crossbite
When teeth at the front or back of the jaw don’t bite properly, causing wear and tear on the opposing teeth.
Goofy Teeth (Increased Overjet)
The upper front teeth stick out, increasing the risk of injury as well as affecting the child’s self-esteem and confidence.
Over-Retained Primary Teeth or ‘Stubborn Baby Teeth’
Baby teeth that don’t fall out on time, interfering with the growth and emergence of adult teeth.
Early Loss of Baby Teeth
- Early loss of baby teeth due to tooth decay or trauma will create gaps.
- Over time, surrounding teeth can move into a gap and reduce the amount of space for the adult teeth to emerge into.
Reversed Bite
- The upper 4 front teeth are behind the lower teeth, causing the upper teeth to bite behind the lower teeth.
- This can potentially damage existing teeth as well as hinder proper development of the other teeth as well as jaw.
Impacted Teeth
- Teeth fail to emerge due to blockages (extra teeth or supernumeraries, cysts, etc) or adult tooth growing in an abnormal location in the bone.
- Injuries or trauma can also cause this problem.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY TREATMENT
Early orthodontic treatment, also called interceptive orthodontics, can be performed to:
- Fully correct early malocclusion, or
- Make future treatment simpler.
Depending on the child’s age and the problem’s severity, treatment might include
- Removable appliances or removable braces.
- Fixed appliances or train-track braces.
If other aspects of the child’s development and growth is progressing normally, the orthodontist may instead suggest regular check-ups to review the child’s malocclusion.
TAKING YOUR CHILD TO AN ORTHODONTIST
When you bring your child to the orthodontic clinic, they will typically do the following:
- Conduct a detailed examination and assessment. Radiographs will be taken if necessary.
- Create a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.
- Use one or more of these methods to manage the malocclusion:
- Tooth extraction to remove baby teeth to make space for adult teeth.
- Removable appliances to help shift teeth into their correct position.
- Fixed braces for more complex cases.
- Headgear or facemasks to correct severe alignment issues.
When deciding the appropriate treatment approach for a young patient, the orthodontist will take into consideration the child’s age, the severity of the problem, and if the child can comply to instructions from their parents or orthodontist.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BRING YOUR CHILD TO THE ORTHODONTIST?
The best time for an orthodontic check-up is age 7.
This allows the orthodontist to:
- Monitor jaw and tooth development.
- Teach kids about dental hygiene early.
Missed the mark?
Don’t worry! It’s never too late to get an orthodontic evaluation.
Teens and even adults can still benefit from treatment.
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE
- Early orthodontic care can save time, money, and discomfort later.
- If you notice any signs of malocclusion in your child, schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to keep your child’s smile healthy and confident.
| This article is part of our series on dental health. |
