Milestones
Follow the appropriate link(s) for your children to learn more:
Before baby arrives Birth to 3 Ages 4 to 12Teenagers
Ages 4 to 12
The Growing Years: From Six to 12
By age six, the child's jaws are growing to make room for permanent (adult) teeth. During the next six years, the primary teeth will be replaced with permanent teeth.
The first permanent molars usually erupt between ages five and six. They are often called six-year molars. Because they don't replace any baby teeth, they are often mistaken for primary teeth. However, they are permanent and must be cared for properly if they are to last throughout your child's lifetime. These molars are especially important because they help determine the shape of the lower face. They also affect the position and health of other permanent teeth.
(Source: www.ada.org. American Dental Association. Chicago. 1997)
Malocclusion
Malocclusion, or bad bite, is a condition in which the teeth are crowded, crooked or out of alignment, or the jaws don’t meet properly. This condition may become particularly noticeable between the ages of six and 12, when the permanent teeth are coming in. This “bad bite” may be inherited or result from events in the child’s development.
Early examination and treatment may help prevent or reduce the severity of malocclusions in the permanent teeth. An early evaluation allows the dentist to determine when any treatment needed should begin. Starting treatment or preventive care at the best time can reduce the overall treatment time and result in the best outcome.
Dentists try to percent the development of malocclusions, if possible. Some preventive orthodontic treatment may be stated when the primary teeth are still in place. Often effective preventive treatment is done during a child’s growth period. Different types of orthodontic appliances, including some that are removable, are used to prevent and treat malocclusions.
Orthodontic treatment may be divided into distinct stages or may be continuous. The starting age, the duration of treatment, the type of appliances used, the outcome of the treatment, and the cost of treatment depends upon the nature and the severity of the malocclusion being treated. In most cases, the cooperation of the patient is a major factor in the success of orthodontic treatment.
(Source: www.ada.org. American Dental Association. Chicago. 1997)
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Not Dental/Medical Advice. This website is for informational purposes only. This information does not replace professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have questions regarding a dental/medical condition, always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health professional. Developments in dental research may impact this information. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
