Does Your Child Need Orthodontic Treatment?

It’s estimated that anywhere from 33% to 50% percent of the population could benefit from orthodontic treatment. As a parent, you may find yourself wondering if your child needs or can benefit from these types of treatments, including braces, teeth straightening tray systems, or retainers. According to Kids Health, children as young as seven years old can get braces, so here are some of the key signs that your child may need orthodontic treatment.

Difficulty Biting or Chewing

One of the signs that indicates that your child could benefit from orthodontic treatments is having difficulty biting or chewing. This is a sign that your child’s jaw or teeth are not properly aligned. If your child has difficulty biting or chewing, it can impact their ability to eat and as they age, they may start to experience pain in their jaw.

Misaligned Jaw

Another sign that your child may need orthodontic attention is having a misaligned jaw. This is typically known as having an overbite or underbite. The bottom jaw either protrudes outward and doesn’t align with the upper jaw, or is set too far inward. Additionally, malocclusion, also known as having a cross bite, can signal that professional dental care is needed.

Gaps or Spaces Between Teeth

One of the signs that most people know about in regard to needing orthodontic care is gaps or spaces between teeth. Braces and aligners work to shift the teeth, helping to fill in small gaps or spaces that are present in your smile.

Teeth That Aren’t Straight

In some cases, teeth simply aren’t straight. The position of the teeth may be higher or lower compared to other teeth or teeth may be crooked. If your child’s teeth aren’t straight, orthodontic treatment can solve that issue.

One of the biggest misconceptions associated with orthodontic treatments is that they are done strictly for cosmetic reasons. In many cases, these treatments can actually help to straighten teeth and align the jaw, helping to prevent other issues down the road, including jaw pain and cavities caused by poorly spaced teeth. If your child’s dentist has stated that they feel that your child can benefit from these types of treatments, or your child has any of the issues listed above, you should schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. Our team can take a look at your child’s jaw position and teeth and determine what treatments, if any, would most benefit your child. Call us today to schedule an appointment!