A lot of children will have braces at some point of their schooling lives. When baby teeth fall out and our adult teeth grow in, many different problems have the possibility of occurring. But how do you tell if your child actually needs them, how soon should they have them and what are the benefits of getting braces for your child?
Experts recommend that you begin taking your child to the dentist when their teeth originally begin to come through. They also expect that by the time your child is 3 years old they have a dentist that they visit regularly. By visiting the dentist from a young age, the dentist will be able to track the development of your child’s teeth. This means that they will notice any big changes that may require braces to fix.
Here are some things that may indicate that your child will benefit from braces:
- Early/late or irregular loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Misplace, crowded, or blocked-out teeth
- Shifting jaw or jaw that makes sounds
- Cheek biting or biting the roof of their mouth
- Teeth that meet abnormally or that don’t meet at all.
- Jaws and teeth that aren’t in proportion to the rest of the face
Dental issues can often be attributed to either genetic factors or the development of bad oral hygiene habits over time. For instance, habits like thumb-sucking can significantly impact the alignment of our teeth and lead to potential problems in the future. To address and prevent such issues, seeking guidance from dental professionals is crucial. Visiting a dentist at reputable places like this south kitsap area family dentistry or at a trusted local dental clinic can provide invaluable insights into how to prevent children from thumb-sucking and other harmful habits that may affect oral health. Beyond addressing these habits, it is essential to recognize that dentists offer a wide range of services and expertise to ensure overall dental wellness. Trusting in the knowledge and care of experienced dentists can pave the way for optimal oral health and a confident, beautiful smile.
Dentists can also suggest whether your kids need braces and what type can suit them best. For instance, a dentist can suggest whether Invisalign could be a suitable option for your kid. Invisalign treatment for children typically works best for mild to moderate orthodontic cases, such as spacing issues, minor crowding, or simple bite problems. Therefore, consulting with an experienced orthodontist similar to Dr. Peter Brawn (find more info about him at drpeterbrawn.com) is essential.
They can evaluate the child’s dental condition, consider their age and dental development, and provide personalized recommendations on the most appropriate treatment options for achieving optimal teeth alignment.
Having an early diagnosis and treatment is great because it can help encourage your teeth to grow in the way they need to and stop certain issues in their tracks before the problem gets even worse. Orthodontic treatment usually begins within the ages of 8 and 14. Some problems are better when addressed even earlier, though, even when mostly baby teeth are present.
The best thing you can do is have frequent visits to the dentist so that they can spot any issues that arise.