My son turns 8 in three months and his six year molars haven't erupted yet. The pediatric is referring him to an orthodontist to put on some type of contraptions to pull the teeth up out of the gum. In a sense to help them erupt. This sounds painful. We have x - rays and all four molars are fully developed roots and all and just sitting below the gum. There are no other teeth blocking their way. His gums aren't swollen or showing any signs that the molars are on their way up. Anyone else deal with this? We'd rather wait to see if they erupt on their own instead of going the orthodontic route. My husband said his teeth were late to erupt and he never even needed braces or has one cavity!
I think it sounds like the dentist is trying to make money off of an unnecessary procedure.
I was 24 years old when my 12 year molars came in. I had no problems with my mouth, gums, or teeth. My son lost his front teeth in kinder and gis teeth did not come in until 3rd grade. Some kids and adults are just slower than orhers when it comes to your teeth. Dentist are like mechanics they are just trying to make money. Your childs teeth will come in when they are ready to come in.
One of my kids took forever to grow her teeth (got her first tooth after 1 year old). They DID eventually grow in! I guess my question would be, what happens if his 6-year molars don't come in until he's 8? My gut feeling is that the answer is, "Nothing." And if that's the case, why bother with orthodontics at this point?? I'd save orthodontics for the real problems later down the road, if and when they happen! We are going to the orthodontist for our older daughter (who is 9) and the orthodontist has told us that in general, orthodontic treatment is not painful for children since they're still growing - but even so, it's expensive, and often times not covered by insurance. That alone would make me really question treatment for baby teeth that are just taking a bit longer than usual to erupt. Good luck - let us know what happens!
I would take a wait and see plan myself. The longer they stay under the gums, the better off he will be. Teeth erupt at different rates for everyone, and my hygienist said the longer it takes for them to lose their baby teeth the better cavity wise.
See the ortho, just to get a consult and see what the cost is and what is involved, or get another opinion from another dentist.
If YOU would rather wait, and it isn't medically necessary then WAIT. You're the parent. If he isn't developing an infection or anything, and they aren't causing pain, leave them alone.
