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Showing posts with label CORRECTING IRREGULAR TEETH. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CORRECTING IRREGULAR TEETH. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

ALIGNMENT OF TEETH- CORRECTING IRREGULAR TEETH


 Teeth that are irregular, that overlap or stick out in odd directions, can present problems. Sometimes there is malocclusion-failure of upper and lower teeth to meet (occlude) properly. Heredity may account for this. Irregularity also may stem from early loss of baby teeth because of decay or accident or from failure of the baby teeth to fall out at the right time. 

When there are regular visits to the dentist, he can, in the case of a pre- maturely lost baby tooth, insert a "spacer" to help maintain the space so that permanent teeth will have the opportunity to grow in properly. And if a baby tooth is being retained too long, he can, with the help of x-ray examination, determine the presence and developmental state of the permanent tooth that is to replace it and can take appropriate measures. Some dentists believe that irregular teeth may be the result of excessive thumb and finger sucking at the time the second teeth are coming in.

Since a healthy, happy child usually has given up sucking his thumb by the time he is six, it is advisable to discuss this habit with your doctor if it persists. Another factor in irregular tooth alignment and faulty bite is insufficient chewing because the diet is overloaded with soft foods.


CORRECTING IRREGULAR TEETH 

Poorly aligned teeth are likely to do more than detract from appearance. Often, food tends to collect behind them and the gums may become irritated. When only a few teeth meet properly in chewing, the force of the bite falls entirely upon them and may loosen them. Your dentist can check to determine whether a child's bite is poor. He can detect the first signs of serious malocclusion and advise whether and when orthodontic treatment to correct it should be undertaken. 

The earlier a potentially serious case of malocclusion is detected and treated, the less time may be needed for its correction. o An irregular tooth or two does not necessarily mean malocclusion and may not really be disfiguring. Your dentist can tell you whether it is advisable to have treatment. Orthodontic treatment takes time, patience, skill. It can be expensive. If your child really needs orthodontic care and you cannot afford it, discuss the matter with your dentist and investigate dental clinics.