As your child’s teeth and jaw grow, they will experience quite a few changes. Some of these changes occur naturally, while others will require the services of a professional. Orthodontic issues in children are quite common and can impact the manner in which they eat, speak, and smile. The good news is that most of these issues can be corrected using treatments such as dental braces if detected early.
Crooked or Crowded Teeth
One of the most noticeable indicators of an orthodontic problem is crooked or crowded teeth. If your child’s teeth are coming in too close together, overlapping one another, or not in proper alignment, it could be a sign that their mouth is not large enough.
Crooked teeth are more difficult to clean, which may cause cavities or gum disease. Our specialist might prescribe braces or another method of treatment to align the teeth back into place. Sometimes, your child might be a good candidate for clear aligners such as Invisalign, less invasive than metal braces.
Bite Problems (Overbite, Underbite, or Crossbite)
Your child’s bite is how the upper and lower teeth fit together when they close their mouth. If the teeth don’t line up properly, it could be a sign of a bite issue.
Here are a few types of bite problems:
- Overbite: When the upper front teeth stick out far over the lower teeth.
- Underbite: When the lower teeth stick out past the upper front teeth.
- Crossbite: When the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth on one or both sides.
These problems may affect chewing, speaking, and even how the jaw grows. An orthodontist may recommend overbite correction or other treatments to help fix these bite issues early.
Mouth Breathing or Trouble Speaking Clearly
If your child often breathes through their mouth instead of their nose, it may be more than just a habit. Mouth breathing can sometimes be linked to problems with the way the jaw or teeth are developing. Over time, it can even change the shape of the face.
Also, if your child has trouble speaking clearly—like having a lisp or trouble saying certain sounds—it might be related to the position of their teeth or jaw.
Orthodontist in Orlando can check if there’s an orthodontic reason behind these issues and suggest the ideal treatment.
Baby Teeth Falling Out Too Early or Too Late
Losing baby teeth is a normal part of growing up. But if your child loses baby teeth too soon or keeps them longer than expected, it can cause problems with how adult teeth come in.
If teeth fall out too early, nearby teeth can move into the empty space. This might block the permanent teeth from coming in the right way. On the other hand, if baby teeth don’t fall out on time, the new teeth might come in crooked or in the wrong place.
These are all early signs of orthodontic problems in children. Visiting an orthodontist can help guide the teeth to grow in the right direction and avoid bigger issues later.
When Should a Child See an Orthodontist?
Professionals recommend that children have their first checkup with an orthodontist around age 7. By this time, most kids have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. That helps the orthodontist spot any oral problems early, even if they’re not causing pain or discomfort yet.
Knowing how to tell if my child needs braces can give you peace of mind. Early visits don’t always mean your child will need braces right away. Sometimes, the orthodontist will just keep watching your child’s development until the time is right.
Signs Your Child Needs Braces
Besides the issues mentioned above, here are a few more things to watch for:
- Your child often bites their cheek or tongue by accident.
- They have trouble chewing or biting into food.
- Their teeth make noise when they chew.
- They have jaws that shift or make clicking sounds.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s a good idea to ask, Does My Child Need Braces or Invisalign? A dental visit can help answer that.
Orthodontic issues in children are common, but early care can make a big difference. If you notice any of the signs we discussed, talk to your pediatric dentist or schedule a visit with an orthodontist. Catching problems early can make treatment easier and faster. Plus, your child will have a healthier smile that lasts a lifetime.
Taking action now helps you avoid bigger dental problems later. Remember, the earlier you ask “When should a child see an orthodontist?” the better chance your child has at keeping a strong, healthy smile.
Keep an eye on your child’s dental health—and don’t wait if something doesn’t look right. A confident smile starts with early care.
Catch Orthodontic Problems Early and Fix Them Today!
At All About Smiles Ortho, we help children and teens with braces, Invisalign, and other orthodontic care. Our team checks for problems like crooked teeth, overbites, and spacing issues. We use dental tools to guide teeth into the right place, making smiles healthier and stronger. Book a visit with our orthodontist today.
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