Can Kids Overcome a Bad Bite?
Posted on 1/10/2022 by Fariba Mutschler |
 Unfortunately, if your child has developed a bad bite, also called a malocclusion, it will not resolve itself. Bad bites develop because of habits, such as thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, or using a pacifier. Therefore, we need to treat a bad bite early to ensure better future dental care and to prevent problems with speaking, breathing, or eating.
Types of Malocclusions
Bad bites may include a crossbite, underbite, open bite, overbite, or deep bite. All these types of bites can only be fixed by orthodontics. In some instances, teeth may become crowded or crooked because there is not enough room in the jaw. In these cases, a palatal expander may be used to widen the jaw and create more space for the teeth to come in. Typically, braces are the most common way to improve a malocclusion or bad bite.
Treating Developing Teeth
How we treat your child's malocclusion will depend on the exact symptoms, your child's age, and overall health. The goal of this type of treatment is to improve the smile's appearance and straighten the teeth. Some of the treatment phases may include removing some of the baby teeth to make room for the adult or the permanent teeth. Some of the permanent teeth may be removed as well. In some instances, we may recommend jaw surgery to fix a bite problem that affects the bones. We may use either removable or fixed appliances, such as a retainer or braces. When wearing a mouth appliance, a child should not chew gum or eat sticky foods, popcorn, nuts, and peanuts.
Planning a Plan for Treatment
If your child has a malocclusion problem, you need to sit down with us and discuss your child's condition and alternatives for treatment. Make sure you write down your questions concerning the therapy. Doing so will help you determine the best course of action to take.
If your child has a bad bite, we are here to help. Contact our office to schedule an appointment today!
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