Every year, countless kids and teens throughout the U.S. get started with orthodontic treatment. The majority of them receive braces, which use brackets and wires to shift crooked teeth and create a more functional bite. Could your young one benefit from braces or another type of orthodontic treatment? In this blog post, we will discuss five signs that indicate a visit to a local orthodontist is in order.
Visible Dental Misalignment
Certain types of dental misalignment are relatively easy to identify. When your child smiles, do you see that their teeth are crooked or protrude outward? Do they overlap one another, or are there significant gaps between them? All these signs suggest that braces might be beneficial.
You should also be attentive to more subtle signs of dental misalignment or bite issues, such as:
- When your child bites down, the top teeth significantly overlap the bottom teeth (or the bottom teeth overlap the top teeth).
- The front teeth, both top and bottom, do not easily make contact with each other.
- The teeth do not easily come together on either the right side or the left side of the mouth.
Jaw Pain
A poorly aligned bite can place stress on the joint that controls the lower jaw (called the TMJ), disrupting its function and causing discomfort in the surrounding muscles. If your child frequently mentions that their jaw hurts, they have headaches, or they avoid tough and chewy foods, it is likely that they should see an orthodontist.
Speech Problems
In order for clear speech to be produced, a precise series of interactions must occur between the teeth, tongue, and other oral structures. Sadly, misaligned teeth can affect this process, so your child might find it challenging to enunciate certain sounds. After orthodontic treatment (and possibly with the assistance of a speech therapist), your child may be able to communicate more confidently and clearly.
Snoring and Mouth Breathing
Some orthodontic issues, such as a narrow jaw, can obstruct the flow of air in the upper airway. As a result, your child might snore frequently or tend to breathe through their mouth. Orthodontic treatment can often improve airway problems and help patients to get higher-quality sleep.
Biting and Chewing Difficulties
If your child experiences difficulties while biting and chewing their food, it could be a sign of misaligned teeth or other orthodontic issues. You might notice that your child takes longer to eat, avoids certain foods, or complains of discomfort while chewing. These difficulties can affect their nutrition and overall well-being, but the good news is that braces can get them on the path to improved oral function and chewing ability.
When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?
All kids should have their first orthodontic appointment when they are 6 – 7 years old, around the time their permanent teeth start to erupt from their gumline. If your child has not yet had their first orthodontic evaluation, now is the time to schedule an appointment! Your orthodontist can examine your child and advise you on what steps you can take to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Do you suspect your child might need braces? Talk to a local expert to arrange the necessary treatment.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Amin Mason and our team are pleased to serve orthodontic patients of virtually all ages. We enjoy working with kids, and we offer a range of treatments that can support their long-term oral health and function. To learn more about us or to request an appointment for your child, contact Polaris Orthodontic Center in Columbus at 614-781-6990.
