As a parent, you want the best for your child, and that includes a healthy and confident smile. You might be wondering if your child will need braces someday. While only a dental professional can provide a definitive answer, there are signs you can watch for that may indicate the need for an orthodontic evaluation. At Ames Dentistry in Xenia and Wilmington, Ohio, we believe in providing comprehensive dental care for the whole family, and that includes being aware of potential orthodontic needs early on.
It’s important to understand that early orthodontic care can sometimes prevent more extensive treatment later in life. Recognizing potential issues early allows for timely intervention, which can guide proper jaw growth and tooth eruption.
Here are some signs parents should watch for that might suggest their child needs to see an orthodontist:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth: Losing baby teeth too early or significantly late can affect the spacing of permanent teeth and lead to alignment problems.
- Difficulty chewing or biting: If your child struggles to bite or chew comfortably, it could be a sign of misaligned teeth or jaws.
- Mouth breathing: Persistent mouth breathing can sometimes be associated with jaw development issues.
- Thumb sucking or pacifier use beyond the recommended age: Prolonged habits can impact the alignment of teeth and jaw growth.
- Speech difficulties: Sometimes, misaligned teeth can contribute to certain speech impediments.
- Shifting of the jaw or making sounds: If you notice your child’s jaw shifting, popping, or clicking, it could indicate a jaw joint problem that may be related to tooth alignment.
- Grinding or clenching of teeth: While sometimes stress-related, teeth grinding (bruxism) can also be linked to an improper bite.
- Teeth that are crowded or overlapping: This is a common indicator that there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to align properly.
Ames Dentistry offers solutions for misalignment, such as
- ClearCorrect™ Invisible Aligners for straighter teeth.
- Gaps between teeth: While sometimes temporary as permanent teeth erupt, significant gaps might require attention.
- Protruding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth: Teeth that are significantly forward, out of position, or unable to erupt correctly can be a sign of an orthodontic issue.
- An uneven bite (when the upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly): This can include an overbite (upper teeth protrude significantly over the lower teeth), underbite (lower teeth protrude in front of the upper teeth), or crossbite (some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth).
When is the right time for an orthodontic evaluation?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic screening by the age of 7. While treatment may not be necessary at this age, an orthodontist can assess your child’s dental development and identify any potential issues early.
At Ames Dentistry, while we focus on general and cosmetic dentistry, our experienced team is dedicated to the oral health of your entire family. We can help you assess your child’s smile and determine if a consultation with an orthodontic specialist is recommended. We prioritize listening to our patients and ensuring they receive the appropriate care.
Take the first step towards a healthy, confident smile for your child!
If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned above, or if you have any concerns about your child’s dental development, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Ames Dentistry. Our friendly and competent staff are here to answer your questions and guide you on the best path for your child’s oral health.
Call our Xenia office at (937) 372-8502 or our Wilmington office at (937) 382-6971 to book an appointment today! We look forward to helping your child achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.
