Can an Orthodontist Unpack My Child’s Crowded Teeth?

Crowded teeth can be a common condition for many children, so much so that many parents don’t even think about it until the teenage years roll around. However, there are steps that an orthodontist in Overland Park, KS may be able to take to unpack these teeth early on. Here, we’ll look at how it works and what you can expect.

The Goal of an Orthodontist

When braces can take years to work (not to mention the costs of the treatment), reputable orthodontists (and dentists for that matter) will look to intervene whenever and wherever possible. For example, a dentist might introduce exercises that help a child stop sucking their thumb (an action that can force the jaw out of alignment).

Dentists should also look at how your child’s baby teeth are coming in, and potentially refer you to an orthodontist for early (sometimes called phased) treatment. If your child needs phased treatment, an orthodontist will look for ways to better position permanent teeth, which can help them unpack crowded teeth before your child even needs braces or clear aligners.

What You Can Do

Proactive parents should monitor their child’s teeth and be aware that they can see an orthodontist as early as the age of 7. At Bulleigh Orthodontics, our team is heavily focused on prevention, relying on adolescent treatment to avoid lengthier and more severe adult treatments in the future.

While you may not be able to avoid braces or clear aligners in Overland Park, KS for your child, you may be able to cut back on the length of treatment, which can be a huge relief for families everywhere. If you don’t want to sit back and wait for the problem to develop, contact us today to see if intervention is possible!