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.