Your child isn’t a baby anymore and their adult teeth are starting to come in, so you’re asking yourself the same question as many other parents, “Will my child need braces?” Your child should receive an evaluation from an orthodontist around age 7 so you can get a definitive answer to this question, but if you notice any of the 5 following symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with an orthodontist in Powell as soon as you can.
1. Their baby teeth fall out early or late
Your child should start losing their baby teeth around age 6 or 7. If any teeth are lost prematurely, however, this can actually cause the surrounding teeth to shift into the space, obstructing the path of the incoming adult teeth. Or, if a baby tooth just refuses to fall out, this can prevent an adult tooth from coming in straight as well. In either case, this can cause a child to need braces.
2. They have a misaligned bite
Do your child’s front teeth noticeably stick out in front of their bottom teeth? Or, does their lower jaw jut out in front of the upper one? Problems like overbites, under bites, and cross bites can make it difficult for a child to eat, speak, or even breathe properly, but fortunately, these kinds of issues can all be corrected with braces.
3. You notice teeth crowding
Teeth are considered crowded if they are so close together that they actually overlap. In addition to aesthetic concerns, this can actually cause a child to experience problems like uncomfortable chewing, a lisp, and irritation within the mouth. This may also indicate that the adult teeth don’t have enough room to come in correctly. Crowding can also make it more difficult for a child to brush and floss properly, which can lead to an increased risk of decay and cavities.
4. They won’t stop sucking their thumb
Most small children will suck their thumb or finger at some point because it is comforting, but if your child continues this habit even after their teeth start to come in, this can actually cause them to protrude and even hamper the development of the jaw.
5. They are a mouth breather
If your child primarily breathes through their mouth, this could be a sign of other issues, but as far as their teeth are concerned, extended mouth breathing can cause them to develop a longer face and narrower jaw. This gives the adult teeth less room to come in, meaning they’ll likely have to be straightened with braces.
Will Your Child Need Braces?
The only person who can really answer this question is your child’s orthodontist, but you should definitely schedule an appointment with them if you notice any of these signs. They’ll give your child a quick evaluation, and if needed, they’ll be able to begin treatment right away. Then, before you know it, your little one will have a perfectly straight set of teeth they’ll just love to show off.
About Shirck Orthodontics
If you’re looking for the best orthodontist in Powell, you’ll find them here at Shirck Orthodontics. Led by Dr. Jeffrey Shirck and Dr. Jennifer Burzynski, our award-winning team has extensive experience helping smiles of all ages using the latest technology and treatments. To learn whether or not your child will need braces, we invite you to schedule a FREE consultation today.