Over 4 million Americans wear braces at any given time, and about 75% of those are children and teens! (Humana)
Orthodontic problems are common in children and teens, because (unfortunately) most people don’t have an ideal dental alignment naturally. Around the ages of 6 to 9, as the teeth and jaw bones are developing, these conditions start to reveal themselves.
This is why the AAO recommends that children receive their first orthodontic exam by age 7. Our skilled orthodontist, Dr. Senties, is trained to detect orthodontic conditions that are likely to become problematic in the near future.
By treating conditions before they progress in the later teen years and adult years, we can prevent challenging symptoms from developing, reduce the length and intensity of treatment required, and minimize the cost of treatment.
So how do you know if your child needs braces? At your child’s complimentary consultation, Dr. Senties will examine their condition to determine whether orthodontic treatment is necessary or would be beneficial.
In the meantime, we’ve compiled a list of some common signs that may indicate a need for early orthodontic treatment. Check these out!
1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
Children who lose their baby teeth too early or too late may need braces. When baby teeth fall out prematurely, permanent teeth that are already present may migrate into the empty spaces. This can cause teeth to overlap or crowd each other, and can cause impacted (blocked out) teeth. Likewise, baby teeth that fall out too late can also lead to alignment and crowding issues.
2. Prolonged thumb or finger sucking
Thumb-sucking places outward pressure on the front teeth and can cause them to protrude, and in some cases, flare/space forward. Typically, children grow out of thumbsucking by the time they’re 3 or 4 years old.
However, if children continue to suck their thumb while their permanent teeth grow in, it might lead to your child needing braces.
“The risk of dental problems is related to how often, how long and how intensely your child sucks on his or her thumb. Although some experts recommend addressing sucking habits before age 3, the American Academy of Pediatrics says treatment is usually limited to children who continue thumb sucking after turning 5.” (Mayo Clinic).
3. Crowded or impacted teeth
When permanent teeth grow in and crowd the other teeth, this can cause discomfort in your child’s mouth and make it difficult or painful to chew.
If your child tells you that their mouth is sore or uncomfortable, this is a good sign that your child needs braces.
When the teeth grow in crowded or overlapping, these are likely indicators that your child will need corrective orthodontic treatment. Correcting these issues while your child’s teeth and jaw bones are still developing can make treatment more efficient and more comfortable.
4. Difficulty chewing and biting
Misaligned teeth and jaw bones can lead to biting and chewing difficulties, as the teeth don’t meet properly and can’t bite down evenly. The chewing surfaces of the teeth are intended to meet evenly, allowing for thorough chewing and easy digestion.
Children with misalignments sometimes need to shift their jaws to chew correctly, or they report sore teeth and gums when chewing food. This is a major indicator that orthodontic treatment is necessary!
5. Lack of confidence when smiling
The childhood years are fundamental for building self-esteem. If your child doesn’t love his or her smile, this can reflect in their self confidence. Children shouldn’t have to hide their smile when they’re laughing or when they’re in the spotlight. They should have a brilliant, contagious smile that makes them (and you) proud.
The Bottom Line
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in your child, we encourage you to request his or her complimentary consultation. Dr. Senties won’t suggest that your child starts treatment unless it’s necessary or would improve their quality of life!
We offer two types of braces, traditional silver braces and clear ceramic braces, and we offer clear aligners for teens. At your child’s first visit, we can help you decide which one is best for your child’s smile.
We’re here to help you make informed decisions! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.
If your child isn’t in treatment yet, and you’re looking for a top orthodontist in San Antonio, Dr. Senties and our team, we’d love to meet you! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.
