3 Steps to Take If Your Child’s Permanent Teeth Are Delayed

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It should be clear to all parents that every child develops on their own time. However, there are certain milestones that they should ideally hit and, if they don’t, you may need to intervene. If your child hasn’t lost any baby teeth by the age of seven or if it seems as though it’s taking too long for them to come in, we’ll look at steps that you can take.

1. Talk to Your Dentist

A pediatric dentist will monitor your child’s development, but they’re also available when pop-up concerns arise. A pediatric dentist can help you understand what’s causing the issue, whether it’s crowding or an impacted permanent tooth.

2. Consult with an Orthodontist

In some cases, your child will need a general dentist to treat a delay in permanent teeth, whether that’s by extracting a baby tooth or exposing a permanent tooth. In other cases, it might be time for an orthodontist in Shawnee, KS to make space for the new teeth.

3. Watch for Concerning Symptoms

If your child is under seven and feels fine, there’s no need to rush things along. However, if they’re experiencing discomfort, swelling, pimples on the gums, or difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking, this could be a sign that they need immediate care.

At Bulleigh Orthodontics, our team offers early treatment options in Shawnee, KS, making it easier for kids to get the pediatric care they need long before they become teenagers and need braces. The more precautions you take now, the less likely your child is to require more intensive procedures. Plus, we can help you understand what’s at the root of the issue, so you can plan ahead.

 

When Should You Bring Your Child in for an Early Orthodontic Assessment?

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You might think orthodontic visits are mainly for older kids, like teens. But younger kids can benefit from having a early orthodontic assessment done. Our orthodontists in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, at Bulleigh Orthodontics offer these evaluations to help find issues sooner rather than later. Here’s when you should set up your child’s assessment.

Why Do Kids Need an Early Orthodontic Assessment?

Children can have issues with jaw alignment or bite that go unnoticed for years — until they start affecting their ability to eat or cause discomfort. Early evaluations help us catch these problems right away before they can turn into more severe ones.

How Old Should Kids Be for This Assessment?

Kids should have an initial evaluation done by the time they’re 7 years old. That may seem young, but keep in mind that early orthodontic treatment often starts when kids are between 7 and 10 years old.

What Kinds of Problems Do Orthodontists Check For?

We do early orthodontic assessments in Overland Park and Shawnee, KS, to check for common issues in kids, such as underbites, overbites, or other types of malocclusions. We also check for any issues with spacing or crowding. If your child sucks their thumb, we’ll look for any problems that may cause, such as tooth alignment issues.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Younger Patients?

Kids may benefit from early orthodontic treatment if we find problems with their bite or alignment. These treatments vary, but may include oral appliances, such as expanders.

Schedule Your Child’s Early Orthodontic Assessment Today!

Is your child old enough to have our orthodontists evaluate their bite and jaw? At Bulleigh Orthodontics, we offer early orthodontic assessments in Overland Park and Shawnee, KS, to catch problems early and provide timely treatment.

When Can Early Orthodontic Treatment Begin?

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Early orthodontic treatment for parents may seem like overkill, especially since their child is going to lose their baby teeth anyway. However, most parents’ ears perk up when they hear that early orthodontic treatment may be able to save them the money (and time) of getting their teen braces. Here, we’ll look at not just what early orthodontic treatment is but when it can start for the best results.

What Is Early Treatment?

Early treatment in North Overland Park, KS largely refers to any practice that can help correct a child’s teeth, gums, and jaw before the issue has a chance to develop. This can mean anything from mouth guards, to help coax the teeth into the ideal position, to exercises that can help children stop unhealthy habits like thumb sucking.

Early treatment attempts to fix problems when they first emerge, as opposed to waiting several years and then installing metal braces or making the molds for clear aligners.

Does Early Treatment Work?

The answer ultimately depends on the child, but at the very least, you’ll know that you did everything you could to mitigate the impact of common issues, like overcrowding or severe underbites. The good news is that, with every passing year, orthodontists all over the country get better at catching problems sooner than later. If you’re wondering if your child is a good candidate, the right orthodontist in North Overland Park, KS can tell you more about their eligibility.

When Should My Child Get Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment can start as early as seven or as late as 10. If you’re looking for the best team in your area, consider that the orthodontists at Bulleigh Orthodontics have plenty of experience treating even the most complex cases.

How a Palatal Crib Can Stop Thumb-Sucking Instantly

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Most children stop sucking their thumb on their own by the time they reach six or seven months old. And sometimes, a child will suck their thumb until the age of four. However, if your child’s thumb-sucking continues past the age of five, it’s time to intervene. An orthodontist in Shawnee, KS, has a method that can stop your child’s thumb-sucking immediately!

What Is a Palatal Crib?

A palatal crib is a dental appliance designed to break harmful oral habits like thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting in children.

What Does a Palatal Crib Do?

A palatal crib breaks the comfort sensation a child gets from sucking their thumb. If thumb-sucking continues after the age of five, it could lead to improper jaw development, open bite, crossbite, misaligned teeth, and more.

How Does a Palatal Crib Work?

A palatal crib in Shawnee, KS, is a custom-made orthodontic appliance that is fitted to the roof of your child’s mouth. It’s a metal framework that is shaped like a half-circle. That appliance is cemented to the back of your child’s upper teeth.

The palatal crib is non-invasive, well-tolerated, and designed to prevent your child’s thumb from touching the roof of their mouth. This blockage breaks the comforting sensation a child receives from sucking their thumb. The palatal crib stops the thumb-sucking habit almost instantly. However, the appliance should be left in place for about six months to ensure your child’s thumb-sucking habit has stopped completely.

Why Getting a Palatal Crib for Your Child Is So Important

Breaking your child’s thumb-sucking habit will help prevent severe dental consequences caused by thumb-sucking. And that, in turn, will save you loads of money on expensive dental corrections in the future.

Are You Looking for an Orthodontist in Shawnee, KS?

If you want to stop your child’s thumb-sucking habit, please Contact Bulleigh Orthodontics to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to talk with you about a palatal crib for your child.