Braces are often considered a rite of passage for young children and teens, and many of us might remember the days when our own school pictures were graced with metal brackets and wires. However, what you probably don’t remember is that moment when it became clear that you needed orthodontic treatment—and this may not be very obvious for your child, either! Fortunately, a consultation at their orthodontist’s office is all it takes to determine when and how orthodontic treatment needs to take place. In the meantime, here are some clues and signs to look for.
1. Overlapping, Protruding, or Crooked Teeth
A small overbite is normal, but if your child’s upper (or lower) teeth clearly protrude and extend past the other arch, or they suffer from other bite issues, orthodontics can help. Similarly, obviously overlapping or crooked teeth can increase the risk of harm to the teeth.
2. Too Much Space Between Teeth
This is essentially the opposite of crowded teeth; however, that doesn’t make the issue any less serious. It means that your child is more vulnerable to cavities and gum disease, but thankfully, orthodontic treatment can easily bring the teeth closer together.
3. Trouble Biting or Chewing
Misaligned teeth can negatively impact your child’s ability to eat comfortably. If your child is having problems while trying to eat or complains about biting their tongue or the insides of their cheeks, their bite could be misaligned, or their teeth could be crooked.
4. Obvious Speech Problems
Your child’s teeth play a very large role in how they speak, helping them to pronounce certain words clearly. If your child is consistently mispronouncing words or struggling in general with their speech, it might be due to an orthodontic issue.
5. Persistent Mouth or Jaw Pain
You might not always see an orthodontic problem with your child’s teeth—sometimes, your child may feel pain, but the issue might not be evident. If they’re experiencing this pain or discomfort regularly, it’s important to consult with their orthodontist quickly.
While some children have clear issues that warrant orthodontic treatment, sometimes it’s not so easy to tell. This is why an orthodontic consultation no later than age 7 is in their best interest; getting an early start on correcting certain issues means a lifetime of healthy smiling!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Sam Alkhoury, our team here at Ludlow Orthodontics has served the dental needs of patients and families in Ludlow and the surrounding area for several years. We offer a wide range of orthodontic services for adults and children alike, including traditional metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and more. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to schedule an appointment for your child, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (413) 547-0300.
