Braces for the Teeth: Does Your Child Need Them?

When parents find that their child has misaligned or crooked teeth in early childhood, they frequently consider getting their child braces. The real question is at what age a child should start wearing braces. Does it make sense for children to undergo dental care while their baby teeth are still present? These and many other answers are available in this post regarding children’s braces.

What are the signs to look out for?

Consider obtaining an orthodontic evaluation for children braces if any following problems apply.

Misaligned Teeth

Crooked baby teeth are not a problem on their own. There is no cause for concern if baby teeth erupt normally because they serve as placeholders for adult teeth. Malocclusion, a significant misalignment of the teeth, may necessitate therapy. When the jaw is closed, only the molars touch.

 

Too many upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. Underbite occurs when the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. The condition in which the upper and lower teeth overlap. If not detected early, misaligned baby teeth might cause permanent teeth to grow unnaturally. Look up “invisalign cost BCto learn more on the costs of such orthodontic treatments. 

Crowded Teeth

Multiple factors may cause a child’s teeth to crowd. This can cause several teeth to erupt at odd angles, leading some to appear in front of or behind their neighbors, higher or lower on the gum, twisted, or in improper positions.  Fortunately, surgical braces in Langley, BC is the solution to this problem. 

 

Prolonged Thumb-Sucking or Use of a Pacifier

At 12 to 24 months, your child should quit using a pacifier and sucking their thumb. By age 4, the habits should be eliminated. Thumb sucking and the usage of dummies or pacifiers can impair oral health. Constant sucking, putting pressure on the teeth, and having an object in the mouth can result in crooked infant teeth. An open bite is a typical sign of prolonged pacifier use.

Baby Teeth Falling Out Prematurely

Baby teeth guide adult teeth. When permanent teeth are prepared to erupt, the nerves of the baby teeth are removed, and the teeth are pushed out. If your child’s baby teeth fall out prematurely due to an injury or periodontal disease, the adult teeth will lack a guide. This might hinder their development; they may “drift” to fill the void, leaving no room for their neighbors to expand. Baby teeth may shift into the space, resulting in the same issue. By holding the adult teeth in place, braces can avoid this.

Chewing Difficulty

If your child has difficulty chewing, crooked teeth may be the blame. Insufficient chewing may result in bloating, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Chewing issues may potentially result in cheek or tongue biting. We all occasionally bite our cheeks and tongues, so have no fear. If it occurs frequently, their teeth may become misaligned and cause problems.

 

Mouth Breathing

Children who breathe excessively through their mouths may develop oral health concerns.

It is associated with problems with the jaw, lips, and face. It can also promote bacterial growth by drying up the saliva (which can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay). If your child has these developmental issues, he or she may need braces to aid with facial development and to assist with breathing.

Speech Difficulties

Speech and language development depends on children’s teeth. The development of a child’s teeth and jaw are crucial to the child’s capacity for vocal communication. Their speech may be altered if this has been impacted by injury, misalignment, or other issues. More severe examples include difficulty pronouncing some words and difficulty speaking.

To Sum It Up

Typically, orthodontic treatment is the last step in resolving a child’s dental issues. They permit the alignment of a child’s teeth while limiting the risk of long-term orthodontic issues. When a trained and seasoned orthodontist places braces on a child, you can rest confident that he or she will do all possible to ensure the child achieves the best possible results as quickly as possible.