5 Signs Your Child May Need Braces: What Parents Should Know
Millions of children worldwide have misaligned teeth or jawbones; the same holds for countless adults. The European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry reports this problem affects 56% of the world’s population, impacting males and females alike. This misalignment may lead to problems with eating, drinking, and speaking. It might also affect a person’s mental health, as they may be embarrassed by their oral health issues. Fortunately, braces can correct this misalignment for most individuals.
The Benefits of Braces
Braces function to correct a range of dental issues. They can realign crooked or misaligned teeth while correcting crossbites, overbites, underbites, and open bites. Gaps between the teeth can detract from a person’s smile, and braces may close these gaps. They can also make space between crowded teeth. Don’t be discouraged if you need braces, as they help with multiple problems simultaneously.
An orthodontist might recommend braces to improve the bite and facial structure by aligning the jaw. When the jaws and teeth are aligned, the child will find it easier to chew and speak, and their appearance will improve. Most orthodontists recommend braces for children between the ages of ten and 14.
During this stage of life, the jawbones are growing, so they respond well to orthodontic treatment. Their bones remain malleable and will move into the desired position with the help of the braces. Most permanent teeth are in place, so aligning the jaws and correcting bite issues is easy. Acting quickly when problems are noticed will reduce the risk of severe problems in the future that will require more extensive treatment to correct.
Does Your Child Need Braces?
Misaligned teeth should be treated promptly for the reasons outlined above. How can a parent know when their child needs to see an orthodontist? Their dentist is often the first to recommend the child see this specialist. However, a parent should also look for the following signs and make an appointment with the dentist for further investigation if they see one or more.
- Overlapping and twisted teeth or gaps between the teeth
- Overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite
- Difficulty eating or mouth breathing are signs of alignment issues with the teeth or jaws.
- Prolonged thumb sucking
- Baby teeth that don’t come out or come out too soon leave gaps that other teeth might try to fill by moving
Caring for Braces
Braces are only effective if the child cares for the teeth and gums. Failing to do so can lead to cavities, gum disease, and the need for extensive treatments to preserve the teeth. Teach the child how to brush and floss properly with braces, and remind them to avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage the braces.
If the braces irritate their mouth, they should use wax to protect the gums and cheeks from damage and let the orthodontist know at their next appointment. Over-the-counter pain medications can help ease any discomfort the child experiences following these adjustments.
Parents should ensure children make all scheduled appointments and talk with the orthodontist about a custom mouthguard for the kids playing sports. They should also work with the orthodontist to ensure the child understands how to use headgear, retainers, and other orthodontic devices properly.
Braces are used to address several alignment issues in children. These orthodontic appliances not only straighten the teeth and jaws but can also improve the child’s confidence and overall well-being. Parents must ensure their children receive this treatment at the right time for optimal results. Make an appointment with an orthodontist today to see if braces will help the child or if other alternatives should be explored.
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