Did your dentist recommend braces for your child?
You may be surprised if you learn your child needs braces, thinking your child’s teeth are normal. You may wonder why it’s necessary and be concerned about the treatment costs.
Children and teenagers have varying responses to braces. Some think it’s a rite of passage, while others may not like the idea.
So, should you say yes to an orthodontic appliance for your child? Not all children need braces. If your dentist recommends orthodontic treatment, you can get a second opinion. Once it’s determined that braces are needed, it’s best to get them at a younger age. Adults can achieve good results from orthodontics. But repositioning teeth is easier while the jawbone is still growing.
Signs that a child may need braces
- Thumb or finger sucking. If your child continues to thumb or finger suck, this can be one reason they may need braces.
- Crossbite. The upper teeth fall inside, rather than on the outside, of the lower teeth.
- Underbite. The lower teeth are positioned over the upper teeth, which is also referred to as the bulldog-like appearance.
- Open bite. The upper and lower teeth don’t touch each other when the mouth is closed.
- Overbite. The upper teeth are protruding much further beyond the lower teeth.
- Mouth breathing. Breathing through the mouth can indicate a narrow jaw or the tongue not resting in a proper position.
- Chewing or biting difficulties. If your child struggles to chew or bite down on food, that can be an issue of misaligned teeth.
- Teeth grinding. Teeth grinding or clenching can also indicate the presence of misaligned teeth. If not treated right away, it can lead to further damage to the teeth and jaw.
- Premature loss of baby teeth. Losing teeth too early can cause surrounding teeth to shift out of position.
- Severe crowding. If there’s crowding in the mouth, keeping teeth clean becomes more difficult. This can increase your child’s risk of developing cavities and gum issues.
What causes a bad bite?
A bad bite or malocclusion means the teeth don’t align properly. Your child’s teeth may be crowded, crooked, gapped, twisted, or out of normal position.
A bad bite can occur due to various reasons such as thumb or finger sucking, tongue thrust, genetics, injury, or premature loss of baby teeth.
Why is it important to correct a bad bite?
Appearance aside, a malocclusion can affect your child’s dental and overall health. Overbites and underbites can cause the teeth to wear faster. They can also lead to jaw pain. Your child may need orthodontic treatment to correct these issues, and greater success is achieved when addressed sooner rather than later.
Dentists or orthodontists develop a customized treatment plan based on their findings. Should they see irregularities in your child’s teeth, their main goal is to educate you about it and explain treatment options that you can consider.
It’s worth noting, too, that braces aren’t placed to improve smile aesthetics alone. These appliances help prevent potential dental issues down the road, which can be costlier and more complex to treat.
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