Functional Jaw Corrections in Children

• Underdeveloped lower jaw with normal upper jaw.
• Underdeveloped upper jaw with normal lower jaw.
• Underdeveloped upper and lower jaws.
• Overdeveloped lower jaw with normal upper jaw.
• Overdeveloped upper jaw with normal lower jaw.
• Overdeveloped upper jaw with Underdeveloped lower jaw.
• Overdeveloped lower jaw with underdeveloped upper jaw.
• Overdeveloped upper and lower jaws.

There are several factors that can contribute to underdeveloped jaws in children. Some of the most common causes include:

• Genetics: Jaw growth and development are influenced by a child’s genetic makeup. Some children are predisposed to having underdeveloped jaws due to their family history.
• Habit disorders: Thumb-sucking, mouth-breathing, and prolonged use of pacifiers can all contribute to jaw growth deficiencies in children.
• Craniofacial anomalies: Certain craniofacial anomalies, such as cleft lip and palate, can also impact jaw growth and development.
• Trauma: Physical trauma to the jaw area can cause damage to the growth plates, leading to underdeveloped jaws.
• Nutrition: A lack of vitamins and minerals essential for jaw growth and development can contribute to underdeveloped jaws.
• Health problems: Certain health conditions, such as sleep apnoea and hypothyroidism, can also impact jaw growth and development.

It is important to note that in some cases, the cause of underdeveloped jaws in children may not be fully understood. Early diagnosis and treatment by an orthodontist can help ensure that the child’s jaw growth and development are on track.

There are several steps in the treatment to correct underdeveloped jaws in children. Those steps are mentioned below sequentially:

• Growth Modulation Therapy: The first and foremost step is to utilise the growth of the child as much as possible to achieve the growth of the jaws naturally to as much as extent possible. To achieve this growth naturally, the stunted growth of the jaws has to enhanced, which is done with the help of various functional appliances, that are custom made according to the need of every child, after proper diagnosis of the main cause for the stunt in growth of their jaws.
• Orthodontic treatment: Followed by growth modulation is the orthodontic treatment phase, where the correction of jaws achieved by growth modulation is maintained and more correction of angulation of teeth is done to correct the proclination and retroclination of teeth. This proper combination of correcting jaws and then aligning the teeth on the jaws helps the child improve not only his looks but also corrects his other functional abnormalities like speech, chewing, breathing problems etc.
• Upper Jaw Expansion: In some children, an upper jaw expansion procedure which is a functional treatment that is used to widen the upper jaw and promote proper growth and development is needed. This treatment typically is done for a period of time to gradually increase the width of the upper jaw.

The choice of treatment will depend on the specific needs and case of the individual child, and an orthodontist will work with the child and their parents to determine the best course of action. It is important to note that early intervention is key when it comes to correcting underdeveloped jaws in children, so it is important to seek the advice of an orthodontist as soon as possible.

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Developing dental problems in children

Correcting underdeveloped jaws in children has numerous benefits, including:

1. 1. Better bite: Correcting underdeveloped jaws can help improve the bite, reducing the risk of dental problems such as jaw pain, tooth grinding, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
   2. Improved speech & Airway: Children with underdeveloped jaws may experience speech & airway difficulties, and correcting the jaws can improve their speech, pronounciation and ability to breath.
   3. Improved facial appearance: Correcting underdeveloped jaws can help improve the appearance of the face, creating a more balanced and harmonious appearance.
   4. Enhanced self–esteem: Children who are self-conscious about their appearance may experience improved self-esteem and confidence as a result of treatment.
   5. Improved oral health: Correcting underdeveloped jaws can help ensure proper alignment of the teeth, reducing the risk of dental problems such as cavities and gum disease.
   6. Improved function: Correcting underdeveloped jaws can help improve overall jaw function, reducing the risk of jaw pain, tooth grinding, and other related problems.

If underdeveloped jaws in children are not corrected, a number of negative consequences can occur, including:

1. Persistent jaw pain and discomfort: Children with underdeveloped jaws may experience persistent jaw pain and discomfort due to misalignment of the jaws and teeth.
2. Speech & Airway difficulties: Children with underdeveloped jaws may experience speech & airway difficulties, such as difficulty pronouncing certain words or a lisp and difficulty breathing.
3. Dental problems: Children with underdeveloped jaws may be at an increased risk of dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.
4. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Children with underdeveloped jaws may be at an increased risk of developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which can cause jaw pain and discomfort.
5. Reduced self–esteem: Children who are self-conscious about their appearance may experience reduced self-esteem and confidence if their underdeveloped jaws are not corrected.
6. Persistence of the underdeveloped jaw: If left untreated, an underdeveloped jaw may persist into adulthood, leading to long-term problems with bite, jaw function, and appearance.

If you suspect your child may have an underdeveloped jaw, it is important to seek the advice of an orthodontist as soon as possible. With the right treatment, children with jaw growth deficiencies can achieve a healthy, functional, and attractive smile that will serve them well into adulthood. If the misaligned jaws are to be fixed in non-growing patients, orthognathic surgery is the available option. Read on to know more about it.

All of us here at Kigo Dental are committed to providing you with the best dental care available, and we do so with a smile.

Our entire staff, from receptionists to dental hygienists and assistants, is committed to providing you with the best quality dental care possible.

From the time you walk through the door and every time you revisit, you will experience this firsthand.

Kigo Dental has a team of experienced and skilled Orthodontists and other specialised dentists who specialise in providing high-quality dental care and treatments, utilising the latest technologies and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for their patients.