Your child is growing up so fast. It seems like they just got their baby teeth in yesterday and now the Tooth Fairy is visiting your home! As a responsible parent, you think about your child’s future and want to do everything you can to make sure they get what they need. When their permanent teeth start coming in, you wonder whether they will need braces. How can you know whether you need to see an orthodontist or not? Read on to learn about the signs indicating the need for braces for children!
Upper and Lower Teeth Do Not Match Up
Your child’s bite plays a significant role not just in how they look, but also in how they are able to chew their food. By correcting bite problems early on, you can help them eat more efficiently.
There are many ways in which the teeth can be out of alignment with each other to create an abnormal bite. The upper front teeth can overlap with or protrude over the lower teeth (called an overbite). The lower teeth can even overlap the upper teeth (called an underbite). If your child’s teeth do not contact each other on either side, this is called a cross bite. In some cases, there may be a space between the top and bottom front teeth, preventing them from touching at all. This situation is called an open bite.
Speech Problems or Jaw Pain Are Causing Issues
Children who have uneven bites, specifically open bites, tend to struggle with making certain sounds in their speech. In other cases, misaligned bites put excessive pressure on certain teeth and the jaw joint, causing pain. Should your child tell you that they are suffering with consistent jaw pain or need help with speech therapy, it could be a clear sign that they need orthodontic intervention.
Your Dentist or Orthodontist Recommends Braces
When your child reaches about seven years old, it’s time to take them to see an orthodontist, regardless of whether your dentist has told you to do so. At this age, even while your little one still has some baby teeth, an orthodontist can usually diagnose orthodontic issues and let you know if treatment is needed. Sometimes, you may not recognize the signs on your own when you look at their teeth, or maybe you want to “wait and see” if your child’s teeth will correct themselves. That’s where a professional opinion can help you know what’s best for your favorite smile.
Ultimately, it’s nice to know that you don’t have to navigate parenthood alone. You have resources available to you to guide you through the stages of your child’s development. Make sure you include an orthodontist’s visit when your child turns seven to catch orthodontic problems early on and set your child’s smile up for success.
About the Author
Dr. James Hart has been a practicing orthodontist since 1978. Over that time, he has helped countless patients achieve straighter, more confident smiles. He is currently a Regent with the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation and strives to stay updated on orthodontic innovations for his patients. If you think your child could need braces, you can contact Dr. Hart at Hart Orthodontics in Cleburne through his website or by calling 817-645-2432.