As a parent, you may want to set your child up for a lifetime of success. You want to make sure they are confident to achieve all their goals and then more! One way that can help them is by having a straighter smile that looks great and helps them feel their best. However, how can you tell if your loved one needs orthodontics? Here are four signs that they may benefit from these types of treatments.
1.) Your Child’s Teeth Are Noticeably Misaligned
Possibly the most obvious sign your child will benefit from seeing an orthodontist is whether their grin is misaligned, crowded, or crooked. You may start to see red flags as early as their baby teeth. If you aren’t sure, then you can even schedule a consultation; that way, any worrying things are caught and can be corrected before needing more serious intervention.
2.) They Have Trouble Eating
Watching how your child eats can also give you some hints about whether it’s time for braces. If you notice they have trouble biting and chewing, then it may be their malocclusion preventing them from having a comfortable experience. Not only that, but your loved one may bite their cheek and tongue more often or have indigestion.
3.) Your Child Has Issues Speaking
While teeth help with eating, they are important for speaking as well. If your loved one has trouble with clear speech or certain sounds, then crookedness might be to blame. By talking to their orthodontist, they can take a better look at their smile and see whether it’s causing trouble for them.
4.) Baby Teeth Come Out Earlier or Later Than Expected
On average, kids start to lose their baby teeth around five or six years old. Each growing smile is unique, so it’s possible to happen while they are a bit younger or older than that, but if it’s much sooner or later, then it may be a problem. That’s because these structures can affect permanent teeth by either impacting their development or damaging them.
If you notice any of the signs above, then starting your child on braces can help prevent issues from worsening or progressing. While you may still have trouble finding the right time to start these smile-straightening treatments, your loved one’s orthodontist is here to help. By having a consultation, they will be able to let you know more about your loved one’s grin and whether there are red flags that should be corrected.
About the Author
Dr. Payam Ishani is a proud orthodontist helping kids in the Oklahoma City community fix their misalignment with interceptive orthodontics. By being proactive and addressing dental problems early, your loved one can get the best smile they deserve. If you want to see if your child is ready for braces, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Ishani’s office at (405) 805-0997.