There are a few easy ways to tell whether your child will need braces in the future. The signs below can help you understand what to look for if you are wondering whether your child may need braces either now or in the future. Noticing the smallest changes in your child’s oral development can help you catch early signs and avoid more serious issues.
Signs Your Child Needs Braces
Below are a few common signs that may indicate that your child needs braces. If you see any of the signs below developing, it is best to schedule an orthodontic evaluation to create a plan to protect your child’s smile.
Crooked And Crowded Adult And Baby Teeth
The most obvious sign that a child needs braces is when they have crowded or crooked teeth. This happens when there is not enough space and teeth will start moving to make room for other permanent teeth. As more permanent teeth come in, teeth will continue to move and rotate. This will leave your child with a smile where their teeth are pushed out and a very uncomfortable bite. This doesn’t only affect their smile. It also affects the way they eat and speak. Crowded teeth are more difficult to clean and take care of. It will also leave your child more vulnerable to cavities and gum disease.
Signs Of Crowding
- Overlapping teeth
- Permanent teeth coming in behind baby teeth
- Rotated teeth
- An uneven bite
- Overly large gaps
Bite Problems
Bite problems are determined by how the upper and lower teeth fit together. These issues are more common when adult teeth start coming in. A misaligned bite can affect chewing and speech, as well as cause discomfort in the jaw. In most cases, children will show signs that they are having difficulty biting into foods or may complain about discomfort. Being aware of alignment problems can help you determine if it is time to schedule an orthodontic appointment to look at what options you have to correct your child’s bite.
Signs Of Alignment Issues
- Overbite or underbite
- Protruding Teeth
- Lower jaw extends past the upper
Issues Chewing Or Speaking
If your child is having a difficult time eating certain foods or is having a hard time pronouncing certain words, it may be due to an oral issue. It may be painful for them to chew certain foods that are not soft, or you might find them overcompensating to make the action of chewing more comfortable. If you notice your child avoiding certain foods because they complain of pain, they have a popping sound when they open their jaw, or they have persistent speech issues that are not getting resolved with speech therapy, it is time to get them evaluated by an orthodontist to see if they need braces.
Thumb Sucking, Mouth Breathing, And Other Bad Habits
Some habits can affect the development of your child. If your child is still sucking their thumb or using a pacifier, this is a major orthodontic concern. It can also be an issue if you notice your child breathes through their mouth the majority of the time. Both of these issues can majorly change the position of teeth coming in and can also change how your child is growing. Getting an orthodontist involved early can help you minimize the long-term effects of mouth breathing and thumb sucking. It is important to be alarmed if this habit is something your child is experiencing. Working with the right orthodontist can help determine the severity of the changes and help you figure out what treatment plan is the best way to proceed.
Jaw And Facial Development
Sometimes the warning signs that point to the need for braces have nothing to do with teeth. If you notice your child’s upper or lower jaw is growing abnormally, you may want to consider seeking an orthodontist’s opinion on braces and they can help you monitor your child’s growth.
Abnormal Growth Signs
- Upper jaw appearing larger or smaller than the lower
- Uncomfortable jaw shifting while opening and closing
- Teeth not touching when mouth is closed
An orthodontist will be able to assess how your child is developing and can make suggestions to reduce the need for extensive dental work in the future.
Early Orthodontic Evaluations Matter
Early orthodontic evaluations can completely change the dental journey your child experiences. It is recommended that a child’s first evaluation be around the age of seven. At this point, your child should have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, and our team will be able to observe their bite and see if it is developing correctly or if they need braces to fix it. During this appointment, we will be able to identify any concerns and help prepare you and your child for future braces or other orthodontic treatments, including braces, that will help their smile.
Schedule Today To Learn More About Child Orthodontics
Noticing changes to your child’s smile can save them from extended dental work and can save you a lot of money. At Malaga Orthodontics, we help parents prepare for their children’s dental work. It is hard to tell if and when your child needs braces or orthodontic work. Working with the team at Malaga Orthodontics makes it easy to evaluate your child’s oral and facial development so you have the confidence that your child will have a healthy and happy smile.
If you have noticed any of the above issues and you would like to learn more about braces and your child’s development, schedule an appointment with Malaga Orthodontics today. Our team is committed to helping families prepare for their child’s oral health, and we give them the peace of mind that every smile that we treat is healthy.
Schedule an orthodontic evaluation today to see if your child requires braces or other treatment in the future.