How Orthodontic Treatment Can Support Healthy Jaw Development

Your child's jaw plays an important role in how their teeth fit together, how they chew, and how their smile develops. As children grow, their jaws and teeth go through several changes. Sometimes, the upper and lower jaws don't grow in proportion, or the teeth develop in positions that affect the bite. Orthodontic treatment can help guide development and address certain concerns as they arise.

Why Jaw Development Matters

Healthy jaw development helps your child's teeth fit together comfortably and supports everyday activities like chewing and speaking. When the jaws don't align properly, your child may develop a bite problem, also called a malocclusion.

Common concerns include:

• Overbite: The upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than expected.
• Underbite: The lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth.
• Crossbite: Some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when your child bites down.
• Crowding: There isn't enough space in the jaw for the teeth to line up properly.
• Open bite: Some upper and lower teeth don't meet when your child closes their mouth.

How Orthodontic Treatment Helps Guide Jaw Growth

Orthodontic treatment can address certain jaw and bite concerns while a child is still growing. Depending on your child's needs, an orthodontist may recommend a growth-guiding appliance, a palatal expander, braces, or another treatment option.

A palatal expander can widen a narrow upper jaw when appropriate. Other appliances may help correct specific bite problems by influencing how the teeth and jaws relate to one another. Braces can then move teeth into better positions and improve how the upper and lower teeth fit together.

Early treatment doesn't mean every child needs braces at a young age. The right timing depends on your child's growth, bite, and individual dental development.

When Should Your Child See An Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic checkup by age seven. At this stage, an orthodontist can identify developing concerns even if your child still has baby teeth.

An early evaluation may help identify:

• Jaw growth or bite problems.
• Crowding or limited space for permanent teeth.
• Teeth that are erupting in unusual positions.
• Habits that may affect dental development.

An evaluation doesn't always mean treatment will begin right away. Your orthodontist may recommend periodic checkups to follow your child's growth.

Support Your Child's Growing Smile

Orthodontic care can help address bite concerns and support healthier dental development when treatment is appropriate. Schedule an orthodontic evaluation to learn how your child's jaw and teeth are developing and whether early intervention could benefit their long-term smile.

Contact Small & Piers Orthodontics at 828-433-1242 for the office in Morganton, NC, 28655, or 828-322-1250 for the office in Hickory, NC, 28601, to schedule an appointment with Dr. Christian Piers.