If your child’s or teenager’s teeth are coming in crooked or have unusual gaps, you may feel worried, and understandably so. Orthodontic issues become worse the longer they are left unnoticed. So, in this case, many Houston parents start to wonder if their child needs braces. Let’s have a look at the signs that suggest that your child may require orthodontic treatment.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up when an orthodontic problem is first recognized and no later than age 7. By this age, many children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing an orthodontist to evaluate how the teeth and jaws are developing.
This checkup doesn’t automatically mean that your child is going to need braces. In fact, at this stage, we may recommend early orthodontics if there’s a need.
Early orthodontics guides the way your child’s teeth and jaws develop. It can also work on breaking bad habits like thumb sucking that could be the reason for your child’s crooked teeth.
For Houston parents asking, “How can I tell if my kid needs braces?”, these are the signs you should notice:
This is the most common issue. When there’s crowding or overlapping, that’s usually a signal that the jaw does not have enough room for all the teeth to grow in properly.
Sometimes, teeth twist or rotate as they come in. An early orthodontic evaluation can tell what’s normal and what’s not.
Baby teeth are placeholders for adult teeth. If a baby tooth falls out too early or stays stuck in place, it’s problematic either way. The alignment of permanent teeth can be affected.
Ask your child to close their mouth and see how their teeth come in together. Do the front teeth stick out? Is there a gap between the upper and lower teeth? Does their jaw seem to shift to one side? If any of these issues are present, it’s time for an orthodontic exam.
Orthodontic issues don’t just affect the smile; they interfere with how your kid eats and talks. Talk to our Houston dental expert if you see that your child is having trouble chewing or speaking normally because of misaligned teeth.
Habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting are bad for your child’s teeth if they persist for too long. Early intervention can save your little one from a lot of trouble down the road.
These signs suggest that your kid may need orthodontic treatment. But the best way to tell is to have a one-on-one consultation. Visit our pediatric dentist at Aquario Dental or call our Wayside Drive or West Little York office to book an appointment today!
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