A lot of children need braces, so you probably won’t be surprised if your orthodontist tells you your little one does as well. Experts recommend that children get their first orthodontic checkup at the age of seven to look for the earliest indications that they may need braces. However, there are some things you can be on the lookout for that could mean your little one is going to need orthodontic treatment. Here are the six most common signs that your child may need braces.
1.) Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the surrounding teeth could shift into the gap and trap the permanent tooth underneath the gumline. Alternatively, if a baby tooth stays in place longer than expected, the permanent tooth below may begin to come in behind or in front of it. Both of these situations can lead to crooked adult teeth that need orthodontic treatment.
2.) Prolonged Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking that persists past the age of six puts extra pressure on the teeth as they come in and can influence how the roof of the mouth develops. Talk to your pediatric dentist or orthodontist for personalized tips and proven methods on breaking this nonnutritive habit.
3.) Breathing Through the Mouth
Your child may be more comfortable breathing through their mouth if their teeth or jaws don’t come together properly. This could transform into severe bite problems and other complications later in life if not addressed by braces.
4.) Difficulty Chewing or Biting
Does your child seem to frequently bite the inside of their cheek unintentionally? Do they shy away from foods that aren’t soft? Chewing and biting can be difficult or even painful for your child if their teeth or jaws are misaligned, but this can be corrected with orthodontic treatment.
5.) Crowded or Gapped Teeth
Crooked teeth aren’t just unsightly—they dramatically increase your child’s risk of tooth decay, gum disease, enamel damage, and other oral health problems. Teeth that are crowded, overlapping, or gapped are the most common signs that a child could benefit from braces.
6.) Misaligned Jaw or Bite Problems
If your child’s jaw seems crooked or disproportional to the rest of their head, they likely need orthodontic treatment. Bite issues like overbite, underbite and crossbite can damage the jaw joints, promote chipped teeth and make it more difficult for your little one to eat. Orthodontic treatments like braces are commonly used to address bite problems.
If you notice any of the six warning signs above, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your orthodontist! They can evaluate your child’s precious smile and ensure it stays happy, healthy and developmentally on track from the beginning.
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to help patients of every age in Randolph and the surrounding communities achieve optimal oral health. We’re proud to offer orthodontic treatments for young and mature smiles alike, including everything from pediatric orthodontics to traditional braces and everything in between. What’s more, we have a 100% lifetime guarantee and provide free retainers for life to ensure orthodontic results last a lifetime. To learn more, we can be contacted via our website or at (781) 767-7200.