I Think My Child Needs Braces; How Can I Tell?

Many children need braces at some point in their lives. Orthodontic treatment can address a variety of issues by making teeth straighter, easier to clean, and less likely to be injured, thereby preventing problems like tooth decay, dental injuries, and TMJ disorders. If you’re wondering if your child needs orthodontic treatment, there are several things to look for that may tell you that they have an alignment issue requiring correction. Here are a few signs that your child may benefit from wearing braces.

Why Would a Child Need Braces?

Orthodontic problems usually arise due to genetic causes. The size and shape of the jaws and teeth are largely determined by heredity, and jaws without enough room to fit the whole smile can lead to crooked or crowded teeth or TMJ misalignments. However, these issues can also be caused by issues like extending thumb sucking, mouth breathing, tooth decay, teeth grinding, injuries, or poor nutrition.

What Are Some Signs That My Child May Need Braces?

Certain abnormalities can be clues that your child may benefit from orthodontic treatment. These include:

• The baby teeth falling out early, late, or at irregular intervals
• Problems with chewing or biting
• Dental misalignments such as crowded, missing, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
• Unusual wear and tear
• Biting of the cheek or roof of the mouth can be caused by a deep overbite
• The teeth coming together abnormally or not at all due to an overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite
• The jaws and teeth seem disproportionate to the rest of the face

When Should My Child Have an Orthodontic Exam?

When your child should begin orthodontic treatment depends on their particular oral health situation. In some cases, a child should begin wearing braces as early as five years old. However, most minors who undergo orthodontic treatments begin them when they are in middle school or high school. One of the best ways to ensure your child receives orthodontic treatment at the right time is to schedule them for regular dental appointments. During these visits, their dentist will monitor their teeth for alignment issues and recommend orthodontic intervention if needed.

Braces are a fairly typical part of growing up. By being on the lookout for the signs of orthodontic issues and helping your child stay on top of their oral hygiene, you can set them up to enjoy a beautiful smile for life.

About the Practice

Serenity Orthodontics offers excellent orthodontic services to kids, teens, and adults from six locations in Cumming, Braselton, Roswell, Jonesboro, and Suwanee, GA. Led by Drs. Susan Podray-Donovan, Kylie Lewis, and Karolina Grochowska, the staff sees to each patient receiving compassionate and personalized care that addresses their needs. Services offered include traditional braces, clear aligners, and orthodontic emergency care for patients of all ages. To schedule your child for an orthodontic appointment, contact the practice online.