Orthodontics is a type of dentistry that treats problems
with your bite and jaw alignment. An orthodontist has a number of treatments at
his or her disposal, including braces and retainers. The American Association
of Orthodontists recommend that all children have an orthodontic examination by
the time they are seven years old, even if there are no signs that the child
has a problem with his or her bite.
There are signs that you can look out for that will alert
you to a problem with your child’s bite (the signs also apply to adults who may
have developed problems later in life). Children who have a history of thumb/
pacifier sucking or who have lost their baby teeth earlier than usual may have
a bite problem. If you notice the child clenching his jaw or grinding his
teeth, that is also a sign of a problem with the bite.
Pay attention to how the patient chews. If there is a
problem chewing food, or if the child bites into his tongue or cheeks while
chewing, that is a sign that the bite is wrong. Patients with improper bites
may also breathe through their mouths.
Examine the patient’s face while he is not chewing. Do you
notice a facial asymmetry? Does the jaw shift or make a popping noise when the
patient moves his mouth? As the child learns to talk, are there developmental
delays with speech? When the patient bites down, do the teeth not meet or meet
in an odd way? Check for teeth that look overcrowded, blocked, or that are
protruding. All of these are indicators that there is a need for orthodontic
treatment due to an improper bite.
If you notice these signs of a bad bite, take the patient to
the orthodontist as soon as possible. The younger the patient is, the subtler
the signs may be. Most orthodontic treatments begin in patients from the age of
9 to 14, when these signs become more obvious.
Contact the office of Dr. Seth Newman, serving the Long Island area, at 516-626-2060 to schedule an
orthodontic evaluation.
