Making Space for Adult Teeth in Your Child's Mouth: Why It Can Sometimes Be Necessary
If your child should ever become self-conscious about their height (or lack thereof), you will probably do your best to not be concerned about such things, that everyone develops differently. While this is true, there is a time in your child's life when a lack of physical development has the potential to cause a significant issue. If your child's mouth is simply not yet large enough to host the impending arrival of their permanent adult teeth, what can be done? It's not as though the teeth are going to wait until your child's mouth is of a sufficient size and yet there is a way to overcome this issue.
Overcrowding in the Mouth
If left unchecked, overcrowding in your child's mouth can make teeth straightening necessary at a later stage, as the adult teeth might well be crooked when they begin to protrude from your child's gums. The severity of the issue will vary from person to person, but it's best to prevent the issue from occurring at all. Think of it as a preemptive form of teeth straightening that has the potential to stave off the need for complicated orthodontic treatment in the future.
Making Space
Your dentist can manipulate your child's jaw into expanding, creating space for the impending arrival of their adult teeth. It might sound disconcerting, but this manipulation is very straightforward and involves the use of a device known as a palatal expander.
How It Works
The palatal expander is an adjustable, temporary orthodontic device that is attached to the upper or lower molars and adhered using dental cement which can be dissolved when the device is no longer needed. Your dentist makes minute adjustments to the palatal expander on each visit, expanding the width of the device. This results in a small amount of pressure being applied to each side of the jaw, forcing it outwards. The gradual, minute expansion of the jaw widens the gaps between your child's existing baby teeth, creating space for the arrival of their adult teeth. Yes, pressure is being applied, and this can result in a small amount of discomfort when the adjustments are made. If your child should actually experience pain that lingers well after the adjustments have been completed, have a word with your dentist. It might be that the adjustments are occurring too frequently, and can necessitate a new, slightly prolonged adjustment timeframe. The palatal expander will need to be worn for longer than originally anticipated in these cases.
So while your child's height will develop in good time, there might be a need to assist with the development of other parts of their bodies. Be sure to have a word with your dentist if you're concerned that your child's jaw might be too small to cope with the impending arrival of their adult teeth.