Every child’s smile develops at its own pace, so it can be difficult to know what’s normal and what might warrant an orthodontic evaluation. You may notice that your child’s teeth look crowded, or perhaps they’re having trouble chewing certain foods. These could be signs that their developing smile could benefit from orthodontic care.
Braces aren’t right for every child, and not every orthodontic concern needs to be treated immediately. However, recognizing potential signs early can help you know when it’s time to talk with your child’s dentist or an orthodontist.
Difficulty Chewing or Biting
Does your child struggle to bite into foods or chew comfortably? Difficulty chewing can sometimes be related to the way the upper and lower teeth come together.
An uneven bite, also called a malocclusion, can affect how efficiently your child uses their teeth. Depending on the cause and severity, orthodontic treatment may help improve the alignment of the teeth and jaws.
Frequent Cheek or Lip Biting
Accidentally biting the inside of the cheek or lip every once in a while happens to everyone. But if your child frequently catches their cheeks or lips between their teeth, it could indicate that their teeth or bite aren’t aligning properly.
This doesn’t automatically mean your child needs braces. Still, recurring cheek or lip biting is worth mentioning during their next dental visit so their dentist can evaluate how their teeth fit together.
Crowded or Overlapping Teeth
Crowding is one of the more noticeable signs that a child may eventually benefit from orthodontic treatment. If there doesn’t appear to be enough room for permanent teeth to come in properly, teeth may overlap, twist, or become displaced.
Early evaluation can be especially helpful when crowding is significant. An orthodontist can monitor your child’s developing smile and determine whether treatment is needed now or would be more appropriate later.
Teeth That Stick Out
If your child’s front teeth appear significantly protruded, an orthodontic evaluation may be recommended. Teeth that stick out can sometimes be more vulnerable to injury, particularly for active children.
Your child’s dentist can assess their bite and tooth development and recommend an orthodontic consultation if appropriate.
Other Signs to Watch For
There are several other potential indicators that your child could benefit from orthodontic evaluation. These may include difficulty closing the mouth comfortably, noticeable gaps between teeth, teeth that don’t meet properly when biting down, or persistent mouth breathing.
It’s also important to remember that some orthodontic issues aren’t obvious to parents. That’s one reason regular dental visits are so valuable. Your child’s dentist can monitor changes as their permanent teeth erupt and recommend an orthodontic evaluation when necessary.
When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?
You don’t necessarily need to wait until all of your child’s permanent teeth have arrived before asking about orthodontics. An early evaluation can give you a better understanding of how their teeth and jaws are developing and whether intervention could be helpful.
If you notice any of these signs, bring them up at your child’s next dental appointment. From there, their dental team can determine whether your child should be monitored, referred to an orthodontist, or considered for treatment.
A little early attention can go a long way toward supporting a healthy, confident smile.
About the Practice
Garland Pediatric Dentistry provides specialized dental care for infants, toddlers, children, teens, and children with special needs. Dr. Ben Baghai has more than 20 years of experience in pediatric dentistry and completed specialty training after earning his dental degree from the University of Tennessee at Memphis. Dr. Kaveh Ghods earned his DDS from the University of Southern California and completed his pediatric dentistry residency and Master of Dentistry at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Both dentists are committed to creating a comfortable, supportive dental experience for young patients and their families.
Call us at (972) 674-9966 or schedule your appointment online