Do you also wonder what is the right age for your kids to get braces? Unfortunately, we can’t give you an answer because there is no answer to that. It depends on the individual condition of each child. In maximum cases, kids get braces after all their baby teeth have fallen. But if they show symptoms of overbite or underbite at an early age, you might need to consult a dentist right away. If an orthodontic issue is caught early, its treatment becomes more straightforward and cheaper.
To help you, we are mentioning 8 signs which you can spot in your baby if they need orthodontic treatment.
Signs Your Child Needs Braces:
#1 – Untimely Loss of Baby Teeth:
If you notice that your child is losing baby teeth early or late, it’s a matter of concern. Early loss of baby teeth can cause teeth occupying empty spaces while the adult teeth are growing. Late loss of baby teeth also disturbs the alignment of teeth.
#2 – Thumb Sucking in Kids:
Thumb sucking is a common habit in kids. But if they continue to suck their thumb and fingers after 4 years of age, there are chances of developing orthodontic issues. In addition, they can suffer from underbite, crowded teeth, crooked teeth, etc. Thus you should try to stop prolonged thumb sucking in kids.
Also Read: The Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening
#3 – Breathing From Mouth:
If the child keeps breathing from the mouth, the teeth and the appearance of the entire face will get altered. This is because their tongue won’t be resting on the roof of their mouth. This may result in a narrow jaw in comparison to the face. A narrow jaw will not have enough space for the growth of adult teeth.
#4 – Crowded or Crooked Teeth or Both:
If you see the teeth of your child crowding and overlapping each other, it’s time to see a dentist. You can spot this development easily if you check their teeth daily. There are exceptions where it is the new teeth coming, which is making the old teeth align. But it is rare.
#5 – Misalignment of Jaw:
When they hold their mouth in a natural position, a misaligned jaw of your kid can be a messenger of various dental issues. Ask them if they feel any pain or discomfort in the jaw. They might need baby braces for the proper alignment of their teeth and jaw. These braces will also prevent them from biting their tongue and checks.
Also Read: Worried About Your Children’s Oral Wellness? Tips To Brush Their Teeth Correctly
#6 – Gapped Teeth:
This is another possible repercussion of thumb sucking in kids. Gapped teeth are also known as a diastema. Although this can be a temporary issue, sometimes it might need intervention in the form of braces. Braces can put pressure gradually on the baby’s teeth to come closer. Diastema can also occur due to the disproportion in the size of teeth and jaw bone.
#7 – Bite Issue:
Your child might be having crossbite, underbite, or overbite if they don’t seem to chew and bite food naturally. This kind of abnormal bite is due to teeth not being correctly aligned. The upper and lower teeth don’t meet with each other while chewing and speaking. But orthodontists can cure all types of bite issues in babies through braces.
#8 – Misalignment in Teeth:
Do your child’s teeth look misaligned? Does he or she feel pain or difficulty in chewing food? Apart from the bite issue, chewing difficulty also points towards misaligned teeth. You should also look out if they are grinding their teeth at night. If any of these signs is visible in your kid, they need support from braces and retainers.
Also Read: Dental Crowns: How They Are Made
Significance of Healthy Baby Teeth:
We would highly recommend you not to underestimate the significance of healthy baby teeth. Your child’s speaking ability and everyday facial expressions are primarily dependent on the health of baby teeth. This is because they hold the space for the growth of permanent teeth. Healthy baby teeth also provide a base for future decay-free and clean adult teeth.
Bottom Line!
Keep watch for any sign of requirement of braces for your child. You will not be the first parents to get baby braces for your kids. So you should rule out any single bit of doubt and do whatever is suitable for your baby’s dental health.
