Most children go through awkward stages and eventually grow out of them. Unfortunately, crooked teeth or trouble chewing aren’t like voice changes, acne, and other physical changes; they won’t magically disappear. If you notice they struggle to eat certain foods or hide their smile because of what appears to be crooked, overcrowded or gapped teeth, it may be time to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist to discuss braces. Want to be sure? Here are a few ways you can tell.
Does Your Child Need Braces?
Only their orthodontist can officially determine whether they need braces, but a few issues can indicate these appliances may be in their future:
- They have a serious overbite or overjet. A slight overbite is normal, but if you can’t see most of their lower teeth when they bite down, it may need correction. The same applies to an overjet. When teeth protrude too far over the bottom teeth, they’re at higher risk of dental damage.
- They have an underbite or open bite. When the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth, their teeth or jaws may need realignment. If your child’s front and bottom teeth don’t meet when they close their mouth, they have an open bite that needs treatment to prevent difficult chewing and speech impediments.
- They have a crossbite. This means their top and bottom teeth don’t align properly when they close their mouth. Instead, their teeth overlap, which can eventually cause wear and tear.
- Their teeth are crooked. This makes it harder for your child to brush and floss, increasing their risk of cavities, decay, and gum disease.
- They have too much space between their teeth. Excessive gaps can trap bacteria and food debris and make your child self-conscious about their smile.
- They have trouble chewing or biting. When teeth are misaligned, your child will struggle to eat certain foods and may bite their cheeks regularly.
- They have a speech impediment. If their teeth are misaligned, they may struggle to form words or sounds, which can make their speech slurred or cause a lisp.
When Should a Child Meet With an Orthodontist?
Early detection is best, so most orthodontists recommend bringing your child in for an evaluation once they reach age 7. They may provide early treatment, known as Phase One Orthodontics, until more adult teeth come in.
Children’s jawbones are still developing, so teeth and bites shift more easily at a young age. Even for teenagers, full braces can successfully correct these issues before they reach adulthood.
It’s not always easy to tell when your child needs braces, so if you’re unsure, contact an orthodontist who can help. Their expertise and careful evaluation will put your child or teenager on the right path to a healthier, more comfortable, and more radiant smile.
About the Author
Dr. Sadaf Mostafavian is an orthodontist who earned her dental degree from Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. After completing her General Practice Residency, she enrolled at Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics, earning her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Orthodontics and a Master of Science in Dentistry. If you’re unsure whether your child needs braces, visit our website or call (603) 880-5002 to schedule an appointment.