The alignment of your child’s teeth and bite are crucial for their oral health and development. It’s not uncommon for children to need braces to correct certain issues. Often, signs of orthodontic complications are obvious, such as overcrowded or crooked teeth; however, there are times they aren’t always as noticeable. If the problem isn’t addressed early using braces for children, it can lead to various dental concerns down the road that may require a more complex or invasive treatment plan. Not sure how to tell if your child needs to see an orthodontist? Here are some of the most frequent indications they might need braces.
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
Believe it or not, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child has their first orthodontic consultation by the age of 7. Although this might seem young, early intervention is crucial to recognizing orthodontic problems that can affect their permanent teeth as they erupt. Generally, orthodontic treatment begins between the ages of 8 to 14. Besides visible alignment issues, your child should see an orthodontist if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Breathe through their mouth.
- Habit of sucking thumbs or fingers
- Poor nutrition
- Poor oral hygiene
- Other problems
Depending on the issue, your orthodontist may decide to wait and see what happens down the road, or they may choose to begin treatment immediately.
What Are Signs My Child Needs Braces?
There are many reasons a child may need braces, such as:
- Top teeth overlap the bottom teeth.
- Top teeth protrude over the bottom teeth.
- Bottom teeth overlap the top teeth.
- Top and bottom front teeth don’t touch.
- Teeth don’t meet on either side.
- Teeth are crooked.
- Large spaces between teeth.
- Mouth or jaw pain.
- Difficulty chewing or biting.
- Speech complications.
- Frequently biting their cheek.
Does My Child Really Need Braces?
Many people view braces as only providing aesthetic benefits. It’s true your child will attain an attractive smile, but there are several other advantages of orthodontics as well, such as:
- Improve their oral health to lessen the risk of preventable issues, like tooth decay, gum disease, and weakened enamel.
- Improve their self-esteem by feeling confident about their appearance.
- Improve their speech patterns to allow clear communication.
- Reduce their long-term oral health expenses by avoiding dental issues caused by bite and alignment problems.
Invest in Your Child’s Smile
If your child has signs of orthodontic issues, or they haven’t had a consultation with an orthodontist yet, don’t wait for a problem to develop. Invest in your child’s smile through the power of early intervention. Your orthodontist will ensure they develop the healthy, beautiful, and functional smile they deserve.
About Dr. Nathan Coughlin
Dr. Nathan is a board-certified orthodontist. He earned his dental degree at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He completed additional training to focus on orthodontics. He has earned various awards throughout his career, including the “Outstanding Orthodontic Achievement Award.” If you or your child need braces, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.