Do You Know These 6 Signs Your Child Needs Braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends kids see an orthodontist for evaluation by age 7. Kids have a mix of baby and permanent teeth at this time, and their jaw is still developing, making this the perfect time to evaluate their smile. By going to the orthodontist at this age, orthodontic problems can be detected and addressed before they become bigger issues.
Braces are one of the most common orthodontic interventions recommended. Braces straighten teeth, correct bite issues, create space when there is overcrowding, and correct jaw misalignments. Parents and teens should remember that proper oral hygiene in braces is essential. Let’s discuss some of the signs you may notice at home that indicate your child would benefit from orthodontic treatment.
Issues that May Indicate the Need for Braces
- Crowding: When teeth don’t have enough space, crowding occurs. Teeth become misaligned, which increases the risk of gingivitis and cavities. Genetics, jaw size, and the time when baby teeth were lost can contribute to dental crowding.
- Too Much Space: Gaps in teeth can occur for a number of reasons, including small teeth or missing teeth. These gaps can trap food, increasing cavity and gingivitis risk.
- Malocclusions: Overbites, underbites, and crossbites all warrant orthodontic intervention. An overbite occurs when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much. An underbite occurs when the lower teeth protrude too far beyond the upper teeth. A crossbite occurs when the top and bottom teeth do not meet properly because they are misaligned. These malocclusions can cause jaw joint dysfunction (TMJ) and other oral health problems.
- Mouth Breathing: Mouth breathing can impact sleep, alter facial shape, and make your child more prone to cavities, among other problems. It can affect tooth positioning and cause orthodontic issues such as crowding or gaps.
- Speech Difficulties: When children struggle to form sounds properly, it can be due to dental issues that can be fixed with braces or other orthodontics. When the position of the teeth or jaw is off, speech can be impacted. Gaps, crowding, or malocclusions can cause lisps, slurred speech, and difficulty with the pronunciation of certain sounds.
- Pacifier Use or Thumb Sucking: These habits can cause a host of oral issues, which is why we recommend weaning toddlers off thumb sucking and pacifier use around age 2. The repetitive sucking motion of these habits impacts jaw development and the developing front teeth. One of the most common consequences is an open bite, where the top and bottom front teeth do not meet.
How Your Pediatric Dentist Helps Monitor the Need for Orthodontic Intervention
Regular dental checkups are an essential part of your child’s overall oral health. Part of your pediatric dentist’s job is to keep an eye on developing orthodontic issues and to refer you to an orthodontist when needed. The X-rays they take at your child’s visits serve as a record that can even be sent to your orthodontist. Having a record of your child’s oral development and growth helps both pediatric dentists and orthodontists recognize dental issues early to ensure proper development. Ready to schedule a dental checkup? Click here to schedule.
FAQS About Signs Your Child Needs Braces
What are braces?
Braces are an orthodontic appliance made of wires and brackets used to straighten teeth.
At what age should my child have their first orthondotic evaluation?
By age seven.
What issues may indicate the need for braces?
Crowding, gaps, malocclusions, mouth breathing, speech difficulties, pacifier use, and thumb sucking can all lead to the need for orthodontic intervention.
Why are dental checkups important when it comes to braces?
Your pediatric dentist can monitor your child’s smile for issues and refer you to an orthodontist when it is time.
