Braces are an essential orthodontic procedure for many young people. However, the signs that your child may need braces are not always obvious. While some kids will present obvious and clear dental flaws that need correcting, such as crooked or missing teeth, others may have dental issues that aren’t as easily detected by a simple glance.
Only a dentist or orthodontist can determine for sure if your child needs corrective braces. However, smart parents should know the signs that their kids might be good candidates. Here are some of the signs that your child needs braces.
Crooked Teeth
Most young patients with braces undergo orthodontic work to correct the simple issue of crooked teeth. While it would be nice if we all had teeth that were as straight as the teeth of the people we see in magazines, nature doesn’t usually produce Photoshop aesthetics all by itself. Rather, we usually need a little help to look our best.
Many parents wonder if slightly crooked teeth are really something that even need correcting. While only you and your child can determine your personal aesthetic preference, crooked teeth can bring about a whole host of problems, including:
- Dental pain or discomfort
- Embarrassment about one’s appearance
- Advanced dental issues down the road
- Difficulty chewing, speaking and flossing
While you don’t have to pursue perfect, movie star teeth for your child, fixing crooked teeth is generally advisable. It isn’t just a matter of aesthetics, but rather about avoiding larger issues that may present themselves down the road.
Missing and Teeth That Never Descended
For some kids, adult teeth never descend on their own. These patients may still have baby teeth in tact or they may have a gap where the new adult tooth should be. For these patients, braces are generally advisable. Braces allow the other teeth to stay in place and develop correctly as the tooth that never descended is guided into place.
Not only can you use braces to correct the issue of an adult tooth that never descended on its own, but you can also straighten any teeth that may be slightly crooked or imperfect.
Difficulties Chewing Or Closing The Jaw
Sometimes, teeth may have grown in incorrectly, but the problem isn’t easily detected at a glance. There are cases where teeth appear straight but are causing issues at the root. If your child shows difficulty in closing their mouth or chewing, they may be a good candidate for braces.
When In Doubt, Seek Answers
No one expects you to diagnose your child’s orthodontic or dental issues all on your own. In fact, it would be inadvisable for you to attempt to do so. If your child is displaying any of the above signs, it’s best that you take them to the dentist immediately.
Don’t panic if your dentist advises that you seek the opinion of an orthodontist. When it comes to your child’s dental health, it is always better safe than sorry. In fact, a failure to obtain braces in cases where they are needed can result in some very serious medical issues down the line.
If your child seems reluctant about the idea of braces, remind them that it’s the only surefire way to guarantee that they have a beautiful smile later in life. A lot of kids require some coaxing, so show them pictures of beautiful adult smiles to show them how much their new orthodontia will pay off down the road. When it comes to braces, they can be scary at first, but the results are always incredibly worth it.
