As a parent, ensuring a child’s happiness and health is the top priority. One aspect you might be concerned about is their overall dental health. While regular check-ups are essential, you must look for signs indicating your child might require braces.
Pediatric orthodontic treatment is essential for correctly aligning teeth and jaws. But when should you consult a professional for your child? It can be challenging to know without sufficient experience and understanding of various orthodontic procedures.
Early identification of the signs is the key to an aligned and healthy smile. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, kids have their first evaluation for braces at the age of 7. It does not mean your child will need aligners at this age, but early intervention is necessary.
Today, we will discuss the early signs that your child needs braces in San Antonio and when to see an orthodontist.
Key Indicators That Your Kid Requires Braces
Having Crooked or Misaligned Teeth
One of the major signs that your child might need braces is when their teeth appear crooked or misaligned. This type of dental alignment can significantly impact self-confidence, and your child may feel uncomfortable smiling. If you find this problem in the teeth arrangement, it is the right time to make an appointment with an orthodontist.
Gap between Teeth
While small gaps between your kid’s teeth are normal, large gaps indicate orthodontic issues. Gaps result from missing teeth or an extra space in the jaw. They might shift the existing teeth or make them misaligned over time. If you notice gaps that do not close as your kid grows, consulting a professional is necessary.
Breathing Through Mouth
If your kid is a mouth breather, it gradually changes the shape of the face. One of the causes of mouth breathing is the inability of the tongue to rest against the roof of the mouth. In this case, the kid develops a narrow jaw, and there is not enough space for all the teeth to fit correctly. If your child is breathing through the mouth, visit an orthodontist for further discussion.
Sucking of the Thumb
Sucking the thumb and using the pacifier can affect the way how your kid’s teeth grow. It affects your teeth alignment and jaw pain. If your child is a thumb sucker, it is a sign that your kid needs braces.
Losing Baby Teeth Too Early Or Too Late
The age when your kid loses the baby teeth indicates when they need the braces. Your child rarely loses the baby teeth early. However, injuries can lead to tooth loss earlier. There is also a chance that your baby loses teeth late. It can further cause alignment issues when the permanent teeth grow.
Underbite
Underbite occurs when your child’s bottom teeth protrude more than the upper teeth’ limit. It happens when the bottom part of the jaw grows too much or the top portion grows too little. This can damage the front teeth, making them prone to chipping or breakage. As the child’s jaw is misaligned, they might struggle while chewing. Underbite can range from mild to severe, and it is crucial to visit your dentist and discuss the different types of treatment available.
Identify The Signs Early By Consulting An Orthodontist
Having your child’s teeth checked by an orthodontist will help identify alignment problems early. The pediatric dentist will suggest the best type of braces for your child. At Bexar Orthodontists and Pediatric Dentists, we take a personalized approach to every patient. For further assistance, book an appointment with our orthodontic expert in San Antonio.