Crooked teeth in children are a problem both aesthetically and in terms of health. They can cause poor self-esteem and an unwillingness to smile. But there is more to it than that - there are also a number of other consequences associated with crooked teeth in children. What are they? Speech defects, tooth decay or even headaches! So how to prevent and how to cure? Let us find out!

Crooked children's teeth - causes

To better understand the problem, let's start with the causes of crooked teeth in children.

One of these is caries of the milk teeth, which we have already written about in our blog. As a result of tooth decay, milk teeth can be removed, so that permanent teeth can grow crooked. Why? Through extraction, the dental arch is shortened, so that the permanent teeth have less space. You can read more about the subject in our article "Child caries - causes, symptoms and treatment„.

Other causes of crooked teeth in children include defects in inherited from the parents, such as an anterior overbite, posterior overbite, etc. It is also worth mentioning that it is not only permanent teeth that can be crooked - milk teeth are also affected. What is caused in this case? Finger or teat sucking, and at a later stage nail biting or biting on pens or pencils.

Interestingly, even during fetal life, deciduous teeth can be displaced. So, as you can see, crooked teeth in children cannot always be prevented.

We mentioned that crooked permanent teeth can appear is achieved by removing the millipedes too early. It is worth mentioning that the reverse situation is also not favourable. Millipedes take the place of erupting permanent teeth, so that the latter cannot grow in where they should.

What else can cause crooked teeth in a child? Obviously, various injuries or accidents. If a tooth has become chipped or fallen out as a result of various events, attention should be paid to how the permanent tooth will erupt.

IMPORTANT: Crooked teeth can be seen in children as young as a few years old - This is why a timely response is so important. We would also add that crooked teeth can occur simply - without the factors we wrote about above.

Crooked teeth - how to prevent them?

The first and most important step to prevent crooked teeth in children is close observation. It is also a good idea to visit the dentist regularly from the moment the first tooth appears. The doctor will be able to check during the visit whether the teeth are growing properly. In addition, it is also a great opportunity to make the child accustomed to the dentist's surgery and not associate it with pain. We wrote more about this in our article "Your child's first visit to the dentist in the UK".

In the case of problems with crooked teeth in a child, the doctor can recommend specific treatment. Unfortunately, it is still popular to say that it "doesn't pay" to put braces on milk teeth. This is not true! If deciduous teeth have grown crooked, the fitting of braces is necessary.

We realise that many parents are concerned about the expense of visiting the orthodontist. At our practice, it is possible to spread the cost of treatment into convenient instalments, thereby avoiding spending a large amount at one time. Our instalment system is 100% secure, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number: 619628). You can read more in our article: "Teeth on credit: dental treatment on hire purchase„.

Deciding on a mobile camera, our clients pay a monthly instalment of between £25 and £42 - of course this all depends on the type of braces and whether one or two arches are needed.

How else can you prevent crooked teeth in your child so that treatment doesn't have to happen? It is worth working on the harmful habit of thumb-sucking from an early age, and replacing traditional dummies with contoured ones.

Treatment of crooked teeth in children

We have already mentioned that braces also need to be fitted on milk teeth. Here, however, removable braces are used which children can take out themselves. Nowadays, it is possible to adjust the colour to the child's preference, making them a little more willing to use them.

Fixed braces are necessary for crooked permanent teeth. You can read more about braces in our article "Types of braces in the UK - what to choose„.

What exactly does the treatment of crooked teeth in children look like? During the first visit, the orthodontist will check the cause of the crooked teeth. He will then take impressions of the jaws. The young patient can also expect an X-ray.

In our practice, we make sure that the little ones feel as comfortable as possible. We explain every step and make sure we have answered all questions fully. It's important to encourage your child to wear braces and take proper care of their teeth. We know that a good experience at the surgery can help with this.

If you do not notice a problem in your child - Go to see the orthodontist anyway. The first one should take place when your child is around 7 years old. Of course, if you notice worrying symptoms - earlier enough. Do not delay treatment! Crooked teeth in children are a health and aesthetic problem. Check out in our article what they can lead to: "Crooked teeth - causes and how to get rid of an embarrassing smile„.

If you're looking for an orthodontist in the UK - you've come to the right place! Contact us. Together, we will develop a convenient treatment plan. But not only that - we also recommend ourselves for first visits! With us, your child will have no fear of dental appointments!