Headgear for 3 yr old due to underbite? - Dental Health Message Board

laskalady · 04-26-2006, 11:47 PM

Hello,

I'm on here because I'm really not sure if what the dentist has recommended for my niece is in her best interest. She's only 3 years old and she does have a considerable underbite. Her lower jaw potrudes outward, and her lower set of teeth cover her upper set. The dentist wants to give her head gear next week to wear to correct the problem. However, I dont want this to be a bad dentist scamming to make some money and leave her so young with jaw problems. Could this cause potential damage to her tmjs? I'm dealing with big jaw problems in my mid 20's and would hate to to see her go through anything like this in her young years. It just seems wierd to me, does anyone know if this is normal or should I tell her mom to be weary?

anitak1982 · 04-27-2006, 11:15 AM

I think it is an approach to avoid jaw surgery down the road. If her jaw will behave and move while she is so young then she may be in better shape when she gets her permanent teeth.

Pamela20 · 04-27-2006, 12:40 PM

Hi, My daughter has had a underbite since she was little and she is just now getting braces at 15. The orthodontist said that the braces might fix her problem but there is a chance she could need the jaw surgery.