How to handle under bite with a 15 month old child?

I would definitely start taking her to the dentist now, while its not scary. Pick a children's dentist, they are great with small children. She can get used to it when there's not a lot to do, and they can also evaluate her bite. Sometimes it will self-correct, and sometimes not, particularly when there is a crossbite, like my 5 year old son has. He's been going to the dentist since age 1, and is very comfy with them now. Don't worry...there's plenty of time to correct her bite if necessary!

We are dealing with the underbite issue with both of our children. 3 local orthodontists have given us 3 different plans for treatment. We are now looking for a specialist to solve the puzzle. I would wait for your dentist to make a recommendation.

Hi R.:
I'm watching this in my almost 3 year old. When he closes his mouth his top 4 teeth are behind his bottom ones. Noticed this when they 1st came in. As his head and mouth grows the "shape" of his gums changes and the top teeth are moving forward. I suspected this would happen and on our first dental appt. the Dr. confirmed this should correct itself. If not - there's nothing to do until the permanant teeth come in. Don't worry yet!

hi, normally now children should go to the denist when they first get a couple of teeth, which is around a year or so. They can detech something like that and/or you can discuss your concerns. Kool smiles is a great place to take your child.

R.,
I am not a dentist or orthodontist, but did work in the profession for 15 years. My opinion is that I would not be "worried" right now. Usually the recommendation for children is that you start taking them to the dentist whenthey are 2yrs. old. By this age they usuall have all 24 teeth - you take them for a "happy visit". The dentist or hygenist will count thier teeth, give them a ride in the chair, and make it a fun thing for them. It helps reduce the fear of being there. They will then have more of and idea of how things look for her. We usually tell parents to take thier children in about the age of 7 - for an orthodontic evaluation - but if you start taking her to the dentist when she is 2 - your dentist will be able to keep an eye on her over the years. Most children do not start orthodintic treatment until they are older - you can do what is called a phase 1 treatment that helps straighten the uppper and lower 4 front teeth - which allows room for her adult teeth to come in - mind you not every one needs this. So in my "not doctor" opinion I would not worry at this age.
Information about me - I am a mother of 4 - a 20 year old son, and 10 yr old triplets (2 boys 1 girl).
Hope this helps you a little with your concerns.

Hi R.,

Don't worry. She'll out grown it.

To Allay your fears. http://www.dental--health.com/underbite4.html

Hope this helps. D.

My daughter is now 3 years old and I noticed the underbite when she was about the same age as your daughter. My sister is a dental hygienist and she kept telling me that it may eventually correct itself but it still hasn't. We are now to the point where it is interfering with her speech a little bit so we are going to have to look into the situation. As far as I know the first step would be to take her to a regular dentist and then go from there. I really don't think they will do too much until they are older. I would hold off for a little bit and see what happens when she gets the rest of her teeth because that will make a difference. Hope this helps.

Personally I think since toddlers are still growing it may just correct itself. I would bring it up though at your next pediatrician visit and see what they think.

Annie R