It’s a common misconception that orthodontic treatment is only used for cosmetic purposes. While it’s true that braces or Invisalign can enhance the look of your child’s smile and boost their confidence, it’s also true that orthodontic treatment can improve the function of their teeth and prevent future complications. Impacted teeth are a prime example of a functional needs-based treatment plan, and correcting an impacted tooth with orthodontic treatment can make your child’s smile happier and healthier than ever before. Keep reading to learn more about how orthodontic treatment for impacted teeth can transform your kiddo’s smile at Chamberlain Family Orthodontics.
What is an impacted tooth?
When most people hear the term “impacted tooth,” the first thing that comes to mind is wisdom teeth. However, you might be surprised to learn that wisdom teeth aren’t the only teeth that can become impacted – in fact, canines are the second most common impacted teeth after wisdom teeth. Understanding how impactions occur is the first step toward treatment.
Inhibited Growth
In an ideal world, your child’s teeth would follow this growth pattern:
- The baby tooth erupts.
- The developing adult tooth applies pressure to the root of the baby tooth.
- The baby tooth becomes loose and falls out.
- The adult tooth takes the place of the baby tooth.
When a tooth becomes impacted, however, it stops progressing after phase one. Usually, this is because the adult tooth beneath the gumline has grown at an angle, thereby inhibiting its ability to apply pressure to the root of the baby tooth it should replace. Instead, this impacted tooth could apply pressure to surrounding teeth, causing root damage and other dental problems if left untreated.
Causes & Symptoms
There are several signs to watch out for to determine whether your child has an impacted tooth that needs Dr. Chamberlain’s attention. Remember, the earlier we can diagnose an impacted tooth, the easier it is to treat the issue and avoid complications.
Genetics
Like many conditions, impacted teeth are often passed down from parent to child. If you or your siblings had issues with impacted teeth, your child might be at risk of impaction as well.
Retained Baby Teeth
If you notice a stubborn baby tooth that hasn’t fallen out even though the rest of the adult teeth have emerged, it’s possible that an impacted tooth is the culprit.
Crowding
When there isn’t enough space in the mouth for the adult teeth to erupt into, your child is at a higher risk of developing impacted teeth. This is especially true when your child’s baby teeth show signs of crowding even before adult teeth have emerged.
Orthodontic Treatment for Impacted Teeth
Although impaction is a serious dental condition, the good news is that Chamberlain Family Orthodontics has decades of experience treating complex impaction cases for kids, teens, and adults alike. Here’s what you can expect from treatment.
Preventative Treatment
As with any dental condition, the earlier we start treatment, the better the outcome will be. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child attend their first orthodontic appointment by age 7 for this very reason, and we stick by that recommendation.
When your child becomes a member of the 7&Up Club, we’ll automatically check for impacted teeth at every growth check-up to ensure they receive the orthodontic care they need at the most advantageous time developmentally.
In cases where we believe impaction is likely to develop, Dr. Chamberlain will recommend Phase I orthodontic treatment. Early treatment paves the path for a more successful and comprehensive round of treatment in the future by preventing impactions and reducing the need for permanent tooth extractions. This early intervention process typically includes the use of expanders to make more room in the mouth for adult teeth to emerge properly.
Corrective Treatment
Not everyone sees an orthodontist at an early age, and we understand that. If you’ve noticed that your child is showing signs of impacted teeth, such as stubborn baby teeth or crowding, Dr. Chamberlain will collaborate with a trusted oral surgeon to correct this issue and realign your child’s smile.
After the braces are affixed, initial alignment occurs and space is created for the impacted tooth to be guided into. Then the oral surgeon will perform an exposure procedure to attach a chain to the tooth that can be connected to the orthodontic appliances. We’ll activate this chain to gradually pull the tooth into the right position over time. After treatment, we’ll reveal a full set of teeth in their correct positions so your child can smile with confidence and a functional bite.
Risks of Leaving Impacted Teeth Untreated
Impacted teeth are a functional issue, which means that they can cause major problems beyond aesthetics if left untreated.
Root Resorption
During tooth eruption, adult teeth press on the roots of the baby teeth, forming an “eruption cyst” in the process. Normally, this cyst resolves on its own as the tooth erupts through the gum. However, if an adult tooth develops without a clear space to emerge and becomes impacted, its eruption cyst could harm the surrounding teeth, causing root damage known as root resorption.
Permanent Tooth Displacement or Extraction
If the root damage from a nearby impacted tooth is bad enough, it could weaken the underlying support structures of the affected teeth, moving them from their proper positions and making them more susceptible to mobility and loss.
Infection
Impacted teeth are prone to infection, and if an infection spreads to adjacent teeth and their supporting structures, it can lead to further gum disease, bone loss, and ultimately, tooth loss.
Smile Bright at Chamberlain Family Orthodontics
At Chamberlain Family Orthodontics, you don’t have to choose between function and aesthetics. Our team is highly trained to provide precise orthodontic care that treats both underlying conditions and cosmetic concerns so your child can feel confident in their smile.
If you’re concerned about impacted teeth or other orthodontic issues, schedule your child’s free consultation in Redlands or Beaumont to find out how we can help.
