It’s estimated that some three million children and teenagers in North America have braces on their teeth. More and more grownups are choosing to straighten their teeth with orthodontics, too. At Summer Kids Dental in Las Vegas, we have several types of braces for kids.
The American Association of Orthodontists says that children should have teeth examined for orthodontics by the age of seven. At that early stage, we’re really just evaluating teeth and facial structure. Even in cases where there are obviously crooked teeth, it’s usually too soon to recommend braces.
Braces, of course, are used to bring the teeth into proper alignment. The way teeth come together is known as occlusion. When you hear the term malocclusion it refers to misalignment.
What we look for is a good relationship between the upper and lower teeth. Common forms of malocclusion are:
- Overbite, where the upper teeth protrude too far over the lower teeth.
- An underbite is the opposite. This is when the lower jaw protrudes too far forward.
- Teeth may also be too crowded, which can lead to rotated or overlapping teeth, or even teeth that get trapped in the tone.
- There can also be varying degrees of space between teeth. This can be the result of jaw size, or having small teeth. This is most commonly seen as gap in the two upper front teeth.
It’s possible to live with these issues and never have any problems at all. But an incorrect bite can lead to problems. These include jaw pain, tooth decay, and speech impediments.
Braces for kids are not inevitable. At Summer Kids Dental in Las Vegas, we can evaluate your child’s bite and advise you on the best course of action. Available orthodontics include traditional metal braces, and clear braces from Invisalign. We are committed to excellence in pediatric dentistry. Schedule an appointment for your child today.
Contact Summer Kids Dental:
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
10965 Lavender Hill Dr. Ste 120A
Las Vegas, NV
89135