If you notice that your child’s permanent teeth are coming in crooked, you may wonder if they’ll need braces. Tackling these issues now can help them later down the line and avoid many issues that come with misalignment. While finding the right time may seem tricky, there are other signs that can help you decide when to start their pediatric orthodontic journey. Keep reading to learn three ways you can tell!
1.) They Have Trouble Biting and Chewing
When your child eats, do you see that their teeth don’t close together? This can lead to them having trouble biting into and chewing their favorite foods. In turn, they may not be able to get the full benefits of their meals and experience indigestion or malnutrition. Additionally, your child may be more likely to bite their tongue or cheek. Starting them on an orthodontic treatment can help them have a better time eating and enjoying their food without any discomfort.
2.) You See They Have Overlapping or Misaligned Teeth
You may already know how this is an obvious sign of needing braces. If your child has misaligned teeth, then having them straighten out their smile can fix any bite issues they have. Not only may they feel more confident to show off their grin, but they can also avoid the jaw pain that’s often associated with malocclusions, such as an overbite or underbite.
3.) They Have Difficulty with Speech
Teeth are used for more than just eating! They are especially helpful during speech development and ensuring clear speaking. If you see that your child has issues sounding out certain sounds, then braces might be helpful. It doesn’t hurt to bring this up to their orthodontist and see if they can benefit from a treatment.
4.) They Lost Their Baby Teeth Way Earlier or Later
On average, children start to lose their baby teeth around age five or six. It can happen a little sooner or later, as every kid is different. However, if it occurs to your little one much sooner or later than normal, then it’s worth talking to your orthodontist. Baby teeth that don’t come out in due time or early can lead to issues with their permanent teeth, either causing damage or affecting development.
Deciding when to start your child on orthodontic treatment can be hard. Keep in mind these four signs and take them to their dentist regularly, so you can know when it’s the right time. In the end, you are helping to set them up for a future that is full of happy and healthy smiles.
About the Practice
Dr. James Hart has been helping people achieve straighter grins since 1978. He is a highly skilled orthodontist who is dedicated to his patients, ensuring they grow into their best smiles or achieve them. Dr. Hart understands the importance of starting orthodontic treatment early in childhood, so that any issues can be corrected much faster and more quickly overall! If you think your child might benefit from braces, schedule an appointment or call (817) 645-2432.