Avis Ward

The Most Commonly Treated Orthodontic Problems in Children and Adults



Posted: Thursday, May 10, 2007

by
GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens

All orthodontic conditions are as unique and varied as the patients involved, but there are some problems seen more frequently than others. These, too, vary with the patient base. For example, the most common problems for adults are different from those of children. The most common problems can also vary from one ethnic group to another, because many orthodontic problems are hereditary.

For children, the most common orthodontic problems are poor alignment of teeth due to crowding and protrusion of the upper front teeth ahead of the lower teeth (frequently called 'buck teeth') due to the lower jaw being shorter than the upper jaw. The main cause of crowding stems from teeth being larger than the amount of space available in the mouth. The causes for protrusion of the upper jaw can vary from patient to patient and include genetic growth patterns, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, airway obstructions that cause the child to breathe through the mouth and abnormal eruption of permanent teeth due to loss of baby teeth.

For adults, the most common treatments include correcting crowding or crooked teeth, closing spaces (old or new) between teeth, and correcting the position and alignment of teeth. Even when adult orthodontic problems are the same as those of children, the treatment is different because there is no jaw growth in adults, so problems that could be easily managed in a growing child (such as an upper jaw protrusion) may require surgery in an adult. Adults are also more likely to have gum or bone loss due to periodontal disease and worn, damaged or missing teeth.

Some of the more common orthodontic conditions (in children and adults) and the complications they can cause include:

 
Overjet (protruded front teeth) - Unattractive and prone to damage
Crowded Teeth - Unattractive, difficult to clean, bone damage and gum recession
Underbite (lower front teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth) - Unattractive and uneven wear of the front teeth
Deepbite (upper front teeth cover the lower teeth) - Excessive wear of the front teeth and gum and bone damage behind the upper front teeth
Openbite (upper and lower teeth don't meet in front) - Eating problems, speech problems, and excessive wear of those teeth which do meet; unattractive
Crossbite (upper jaw is too narrow, so lower jaw swings to one side to allow the teeth to mesh) - Biting and chewing difficulties
Spacing (missing teeth or wide dental arch and small teeth) - Unattractive and allows teeth to shift out of position
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends age seven for a child’s initial orthodontic evaluation. This can be sooner if the general dentist has concerns and wishes your child to be seen by an orthodontist before age seven. Keep in mind, however, a dentist’s referral is not required for the initial examination. The orthodontist usually submits a written report of his or her findings to the patient’s dentist. Inquire if this is done and request it if it is not.
 
Children and adults should have a recent (within last six months) cleaning and checkup with their dentist before scheduling an orthodontic evaluation. Whatever the orthodontic problem, the goal of all orthodontic treatment is to produce a healthy, well-functioning, stable bite.
 
© 2007 Avis Ward of AWard Consulting, LLC
 
Avis is founder of El Elyon Outpouring Center, an Empowerment Outreach Ministry emphasizing God’s Unconditional Love and Grace and GeoVi’s Home for New Life, a nonprofit providing faith, hope, and love to teens, pregnant teens and their babies. She's CEO of Providential Coaching, a Christian Life coaching practice teaching young women how-to turn within for divine direction to learn and follow the plan God has for their lives. She's the host and creator of Devoted Housewives in the House of God, an Internet Radio Talk Show. Speaker, Seminar Leader and an Ambassador of Love. Avis respectfully acknowledges her deceased parents as her role models, and the hero and heroine in her life.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by JL
from US 4 years 272 days ago.
The teeth are often the most overlooked part of a child's health. Thanks for the reminder to take care of them.
» left by 4 years 272 days ago.
Happy Thursday, JL. Thanks for commenting. When I was a kid, only the "affluent" kids wore braces. Things have improved and progress has been made. Even with change and progress, the education and awareness level cannot be overlooked. And as you've said, a reminder can make the difference. Enjoy the upcoming weekend, JL. I like having you around. [warm smile] Thank you!
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