How Can You Tell If Your Child Needs Braces?

At some point or another many parents start asking themselves if their child needs braces. Knowing the signs that your child could benefit from braces will help you know when it's time to take your child to see a professional.

How can you tell if your child needs braces?

If your child's teeth are growing in crooked or are blocked entirely by other teeth, this is one of the first red flags that indicate that he or she needs braces. However, there are subtler warning signs that you may be tuned in to, depending on how observant you are and how much your child keeps you informed. For example:

  • The jaws click or make sounds while the child eats. Sometimes misalignment of a child's bite can contribute to TMJ, a disorder that affects the jaw as it glides along the joint socket of the skull. Correcting the problem with the bite may correct the problem with the jaw, providing pain relief.
  • The upper teeth and lower teeth don't meet properly. When upper and lower teeth don't meet properly, your child may have problems eating or speaking. This means that the upper teeth may stick out too far, or the lower jaw may stick out in front of the upper jaw.
  • Your child bites his or her cheeks a lot. Biting parts of the mouth is an indication that your child's teeth are misaligned inside the mouth.
  • Your child has difficulty chewing his or her food. If your child complains that he or she is having difficulty chewing, it may be because the teeth are not straight.

What is the next step if your child shows signs of needing braces?

If you or your child's dentist believe that your child needs braces, then you should have your child evaluated by an orthodontist. An orthodontist can tell you for sure if braces are necessary.

Having straight teeth and an attractive smile can help your child feel confident when interacting with other people. Beyond cosmetic concerns, braces can correct problems relating to your child's bite and can influence your child's ability to speak properly. In severe cases, having braces can even prevent your child from needing surgery to bring impacted teeth out of the jaw. If you believe that your child needs braces, don't wait. Have your child evaluated for orthodontic treatments. Contact a qualified and reputable orthodontist in your area and make an appointment today. To learn more, speak with someone like Family Dentistry Of Woodstock.


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