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Dentistry/Underbite in 5 year old

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Expert: - 11/11/2008


Question
Our son's lower jaw is growing faster than his upper jaw.  In June I took him to an orthodontist because his bite is not normal.  At that time, his upper and lower teeth incisors met in the same plane, and did not over lap at all.  Now (5 months later) he has a definite under bite with the lower teeth positioned in front of the upper teeth and overlapping.  I was told that no intervention could be done before he has permanent teeth, but with the jaw growth exacerbating the problem, I am concerned about waiting until he is 6 or 7 to begin.  Is there any treatment that can be started now to minimize the progression of the problem, and move toward correction?

Answer
There certainly is proven therapy that can modify the growth of the jaw to some extent.  Mandibular orthopedic restraint using a chin cup can help hold back growth of the lower jaw while the remaining facial complex continues to "catch up".  Of course, it's essential to take some diagnostic records and verify that the problem really is excessive growth of the lower jaw.  It could very well be a problem with the upper jaw which is under developed.  This can be determined with special x-ray views that every orthodontist can take.  This type of treatment works best while the child is actively growing.  Waiting until the permanent teeth are all in almost certainly guarantees that surgical intervention will be necessary.
Perhaps you should consider seeking the opinion of a different orthodontist.

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Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

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