There comes a point in every parent’s life where you start to wonder, does my child need braces? Assuming you are not an orthodontist, it can be difficult to tell whether your child needs dental treatment. Crooked teeth are one of the most obvious signs, but there are a lot of symptoms that go unnoticed, especially when dealing with baby teeth.
If your child is frequently biting their cheek or tongue, it may indicate an irregular bite that can be treated with braces. Spacing is another issue that may necessitate braces. Teeth that are too crowded or have large spaces in between can lead to dental problems later on. Some children manifest symptoms early on, but others do not, until their adult teeth begin growing in. Are you starting to notice irregularities in your child’s teeth, it may be time for a trip to the dentist.
How to find out
Let’s get back to the question at hand, does your kid need braces? Clearly, the most accurate answer will come from a dental professional. But before you take your child in for an orthodontic screening, you can actually get some useful information by simply looking at their teeth.
Some of the main things you should check for are crowded teeth and abnormal bites. These are some of the clearest indicators that your child may need braces. Overbites are the most common type of abnormal bite, but underbites, crossbites, and open bites can all cause dental problems. Additionally, crowding can lead to tooth decay or gum disease. Do you see any of these irregularities in your child’s teeth? If so, you should book an appointment with a local Los Angeles orthodontist.
What we look for
At Dr. Mario Paz Orthodontics, we look for the symptoms you have noticed and those not noticed to determine if your kid needs braces. We also factor in the age of the child when deciding if braces are appropriate.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that you bring your child in for their first orthodontic screening around the age of 7. If you are wondering why age 7 is the perfect time for orthodontic screening, the answer is simple. The earlier you complete a screening, the sooner your orthodontist can identify and recommend interceptive treatment for dental problems. So, if you want to avoid a more expensive treatment down the line, contact Dr. Mario Paz Orthodontics to schedule a screening for your child.