Did you know that around 75% of all teens and children end up needing some form of orthodontic treatment? However, it isn’t always clear just when exactly this orthodontic journey needs to begin. Luckily, there are some easy signs to look for that eliminate most of the guesswork! Continue reading to learn about four observable signs that indicate it’s probably time for your child to begin phase 1 orthodontics.
#1. Trouble Biting & Chewing
If your child’s teeth aren’t closing together like they’re supposed to, it could lead to issues with biting and chewing, which in turn could trigger issues such as indigestion or malnutrition. It’s also possible for children with misaligned teeth to injure themselves by biting their tongues or the insides of their cheeks while eating. Needless to say, one of the primary benefits of orthodontic treatment is that children will have an easier time eating!
#2. Overlapping or Misaligned Teeth
This is perhaps the most obvious sign that your child’s in need of braces. If they have teeth that are noticeably misaligned, teeth that protrude, an obvious bite issue like an overbite or underbite, or teeth with gaps between them, braces are going to be largely beneficial. If any of these issues are linked with jaw pain, orthodontic treatment is also going to be warranted.
#3. Difficulty with Speech
Teeth aren’t just for eating; they also play a very important role in speech development and speaking clearly. This means that if your child is having issues with pronouncing certain sounds and controlling the flow of air within their mouth and throat, they might need braces. If you notice your child mispronounces certain words or is unable to make certain sounds, inquire with their orthodontist.
#4. Irregular Loss of Baby Teeth
Children should begin losing their baby teeth around age 5 or 6, but it can sometimes happen earlier or continue later – every child is different. In any case, if your child is losing their teeth much sooner or way later than normal, you should speak with their orthodontist. Baby teeth that don’t fall out as intended can cause damage to the underlying permanent teeth or impact their development.
Getting braces at the right time can set your child up for a future of happy and healthy smiling, but the right time isn’t always obvious. In addition to paying attention to these signs, be sure you’re taking your child to their dentist regularly – they are certain not to miss anything!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has proudly served the needs of families in Randolph and the surrounding community for several years, offering a wide variety of services, including phase 1 orthodontics. If you’d like to learn more about braces or schedule an appointment for your child, you can contact our team online or by phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (781) 218-7342.