If you have a child, then you already know that parenthood doesn’t come with an instruction manual. While there are plenty of general milestones and typical expectations for your child’s development, there’s no denying that every child grows up differently. For example, even though recent studies show that about 75% of children and teenagers require orthodontic treatment, some will need to start sooner rather than others. That’s why professionals recommend bringing your little one in for an orthodontic checkup around their seventh birthday. Here are five of the most common signs they’ll be looking for to determine if your child needs braces in Queens.
1.) Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
Baby teeth are essential for holding space in the jawbone and helping the permanent teeth come in correctly. While every child’s situation is unique, these primary teeth typically fall out in a certain order within a loose timeframe. If they stray very far from this order, the adult permanent teeth below them may come in crookedly or become impacted.
2.) Uneven Jaw or Bite Problems
Have you noticed that your child has an underbite, overbite, or other type of bite misalignment? Bite issues are some of the most common indications that orthodontic treatment is needed, since these problems can cause serious complications later in life. Aside from their appearance, you may be able to tell that your child has bite problems if they have trouble eating or if they frequently bite the inside of their mouth by accident.
3.) Crowded Teeth
Perhaps the most well-known sign that a child needs braces is crowded, crooked, and overlapping teeth. Overcrowded teeth distract from the appearance and create small spaces that trap plaque and bacteria, increasing their risk of cavities and gum disease. Over time, crowded teeth can lead to weakened enamel, broken teeth, and other oral health issues.
4.) Prolonged Thumb-Sucking
In most cases, children naturally stop sucking their thumbs and fingers by the age of four. If your little one continues past the age of four, or if their thumb-sucking seems very aggressive or includes a lot of jaw movement, the extra pressure could cause the teeth to come in incorrectly.
5.) Mouth Breathing
Does your child often breathe through their mouth? This could mean that their tongue doesn’t fit comfortably within their mouth because of orthodontic issues. It could be uncomfortable for them or require more effort and concentration than is typical. Frequently, regular mouth breathing is a sign that there are orthodontic issues that need to be corrected.
Of course, the only way to know for sure if your child needs orthodontic treatment is to see an orthodontist for a checkup and evaluation. They’ll be able to determine if and when your child may need braces, whether that’s a bit later in life with traditional braces or Invisalign in their teenage years, or if they need early intervention with pediatric orthodontics. With the help of your orthodontist, you can set your child up for a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles!
About the Practice
At SimpliBraces, we strive to provide the caring, compassionate, and personalized care for the families of Queens and the surrounding communities. We focus on transparent and open communication to serve our patients to the best of our abilities, and we are more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have before you or your child starts any treatment at our practice. To see if your child needs braces, feel free to schedule a consultation with us online or at (929) 229-1009.