My little daughter age causing her not to have dental treatment.

Q. My daughter has just turned 10 yrs old. She was referred to the orthodontist a year ago. She had her 1st appointment in June and was told to stop sucking her thumb. Her upper jaw has a severe overbite. She finally accepted after much nagging by me to stop and she stopped that day 6 mths ago. She had her 2nd appointment today, I was really hoping a treatment plan would be offered. The orthodontist measured her overbite today at 10 mm so it is a big worry for me as it is affecting her looks, otherwise she is a pretty little girl and this is spoiling her lovely face. He said nearly all her adult teeth are through apart from a few, she is mature in that regard beyond her years. however her dental hygeine needs to improve which I will work on with her. However he then said he would not see her again for another year and has not recommended any treatment at this stage although said I am welcome to seek a 2nd opinion. I am worried that the longer I leave this the worse it will become, the last 6 months has not improved her overbite, he was hoping to see an improvement since she stopped but there hasn’t been one, I think the damage has already been done. I think she needs treatment now such as a brace but I am wondering if as she is being treated on the NHS if the funding is not available at this time, nothing like that was mentioned? I am considering going private if this will help my daughter but I don’t want to do anything too soon if she is not ready? What would you advise I am very concerned as her front teeth protrude so much she can’t close her mouth properly. Thank you.

A. Hi, she is still very young for a brace and the 1st teeth will all need to have fallen out before a fixed brace can be fitted. She might, however, benefit from a differnet treatment such as a functional appliance. These are generally only available privately and can help to reduce the overjet by encouraging the lower jaw to grow forward. It might be good to do some research and see if an orthodontist in your area might be able to see if this treatment is suitable for your daughter.

Dr Andrew Moore Advance Dental Clinic 104 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0JG Web: www.advancedentalclinic.com Tel: 08443 87 87 88 View My Profile Dr Moore

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