Early Signs Your Child May Need Braces: What Every Parent Should Know

Many parents believe braces are only for teenagers. However many orthodontic problems can be identified much earlier. Recognizing the early signs of developing bite or jaw problems allows timely treatment and may reduce the need for more complex procedures later in life.

Children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7 years. At this stage the dentist can assess the growth of the jaws and the eruption of permanent teeth even if all the permanent teeth have not yet appeared.

Here are some common signs that may indicate your child could benefit from an orthodontic assessment:

•  Crowded teeth that make brushing difficult and increase the risk of cavities and gum problems.

• Gaps between teeth that may affect appearance or indicate an underlying jaw discrepancy.                                                                                                                                

• Difficulty biting or chewing food comfortably.

• Upper and lower teeth that do not meet properly when the mouth is closed.

• Early or delayed loss of primary teeth which may affect the eruption of permanent teeth.

• Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use beyond the recommended age which can alter jaw growth and tooth alignment.

• Mouth breathing or difficulty closing the lips comfortably.

• Clicking of the jaw or frequent jaw discomfort while chewing.

Parents should also remember that early assessment does not always mean early braces. In many cases the dentist simply monitors your child's growth and intervenes only when necessary.

Your Saraswati Dental College team is here to help! 

We are proud to be well-known pediatric dental experts in Saraswati Dental College and Hospital. We are here to help you and your child adjust to their new world of dentist visits in any way that we can. If you think it would be helpful to introduce your child to our team before their appointment, please let us know and we are happy to make that happen. You and your child are in great hands with our trusted team and don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. If you’re ready to schedule your child’s visit, let’s get started!