As a parent, you want to give your child the best start possible—including a healthy, confident smile. While some orthodontic issues are obvious and stick out like sore thumbs, others can be far more subtle, and you or your child might be entirely unaware that there’s something amiss. That said, knowing the early signs that your child may need braces can help you seek treatment at the right time and prevent complex problems down the road. Continue reading to learn about some of the telltale signs that your child might need braces and why it’s worth scheduling them for an orthodontic appointment.
Crowded or Overlapping Teeth
If your child’s teeth appear crowded, crooked, or overlapping, it may be difficult to keep them clean. Crowding often means there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all of the teeth to align properly. The same can be said for teeth that don’t meet correctly, though overbites and underbites aren’t always as obvious as crowded or overlapping teeth.
Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
Losing baby teeth too early, or too late for that matter, can affect how permanent teeth come in. This can lead to spacing issues, misalignment, bite problems, and other things that might cause issues down the road for your child’s adult teeth.
Difficulty Chewing or Speaking
If your child struggles to bite into foods regularly or complains that chewing isn’t easy, it could be a sign that their teeth or jaws aren’t aligning properly. Similarly, if they’re unable to make certain sounds or pronounce words, it might be due to an orthodontic issue.
Non-Nutritive Habits
Habits like thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or frequent mouth breathing can influence jaw development and tooth alignment over time. If your child still retains these habits as they approach the age for braces, it’s best to work safely on curbing them, in addition to consulting with their orthodontist.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7; since the jaw is still developing at this age, it’s easier to identify and begin treating some potential issues! However, it’s better late than never if you begin to notice the above signs.
About the Practice
Here at Super Braces of Worcester, the talented Dr. Jamie Moon and our team have served families in the area for several years, offering a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including traditional braces, Invisalign, and more. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule an appointment for your child, you can contact us online or call today for more information. Telephone: (508) 690-5561.