In this Smile Study Discussion, Dr. Jason shares a case involving a young patient named Mia in need of an underbite correction. An underbite occurs when the lower jaw extends further than the upper jaw, leading to a misaligned bite. This condition, though common, can lead to various dental and facial issues if not addressed promptly or properly. The optimal ages for evaluating and beginning treatment for an underbite are between seven and nine years old. This period is crucial as it allows orthodontists to influence jaw growth before it reaches a stage where surgical intervention might be required.
The First Phase of Treatment
Upon diagnosing Mia’s underbite, Dr. Jason and his team developed a strategic orthodontic plan with the early phase of treatment aimed at encouraging the forward growth of Mia’s upper jaw. Utilizing orthodontic appliances such as expanders and braces, the treatment took about twelve to fourteen months. During this period, significant improvements were made: Mia’s upper teeth were better aligned, and the underbite was corrected, allowing her upper jaw to grow more harmoniously with her lower jaw.
Monitoring and the Second Phase of Treatment
After the initial phase, Mia was given a break to allow her to grow naturally without the braces. However, when Mia was twelve, it became evident that her underbite was reemerging, an indication that growth patterns were still changing. This necessitated a second phase of treatment where braces were reintroduced combined with elastics to ensure that the bite was corrected as Mia continued to grow.
These two phases resulted in Mia having a beautifully aligned set of teeth with her bite fitting together perfectly. This transformation not only improved her dental health but also her confidence! If your child is experiencing an underbite, or you’re unsure about their bite alignment, Dr. Jason strongly advises scheduling an orthodontic evaluation. Early and effective orthodontic care can make a significant difference, preventing the need for more invasive treatments in the future.
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