Does your little one have trouble chewing their food? Have they often complained about biting their cheek? These may be signs that they need braces. From teeth crowding to bite misalignments, many orthodontic problems can put your child at a higher risk of developing oral health issues like cavities. Having straight, healthy teeth can also help your little one feel more comfortable and confident in their smile. To help you identify issues that may require a visit to the orthodontist, here are some signs that your child needs braces.
Bite Problems
Bite problems do more than just make it difficult for your child to chew their food properly. To avoid oral health issues, several bite problems will need to be corrected by getting your little one braces, including:
- Overbite – Also called buck teeth, this occurs when the top front teeth stick out over the bottom ones. A slight overbite is normal, but a more severe one can cause oral health issues like premature tooth wear. Overbites may be the result of childhood habits like thumb-sucking and pacifier use.
- Underbite – This bite issue is characterized by the lower teeth extending farther than the upper ones. It’s usually caused by jaw misalignment.
- Open bite – This occurs when the top and bottom teeth don’t meet and leave an opening between them. Having an open bite may make it hard to chew food and can affect your little one’s speech. Open bites can be caused by prolonged pacifier use, thumb-sucking, or genetics. Severe cases may require oral surgery.
- Crossbite – If the top and bottom teeth on the sides of the mouth don’t line up, this is called a crossbite. Having a crossbite can cause uneven tooth wear.
Crooked, Gapped, or Crowded Teeth
Gaps, crooked teeth, and overcrowding are some of the most common reasons why parents get braces for their children. These problems are generally easy to identify and can make it hard for your little one to brush and floss their teeth properly, which makes them more likely to develop tooth decay.
Mouth or Jaw Pain
Though many orthodontic issues are visually identifiable, that’s not always the case. If your child regularly experiences pain in their mouth or jaw, this may be a sign that they need to get braces. Consult their dentist to find out what the issue is and if orthodontic treatment is necessary.
If your little one has one of the above orthodontic issues, braces may be able to correct them. Soon, your child will be sporting a confident, bright smile!
About the Practice
Do you need help determining if your little one needs braces to correct orthodontic issues? Avion Dental & Orthodontics can help. They are experts at all things teeth, including braces for children, and can examine your child’s mouth to determine if braces are right for them. They’ll be showing off a healthier, more beautiful set of pearly whites before you know it! If you have any questions about braces for your little one or are interested in making an appointment with Avion Dental & Orthodontics, call their office at (972) 807-9887 or visit their website today.