Do All Kids Need Braces? Understanding When Orthodontics Is Necessary
Does everyone get braces?
For many, braces are a coming-of-age event. A child becomes a teenager and gets those shiny new bands and wires on their smile. But do you know that not every child needs braces? For many, they can go their whole lives blissfully unaware of what it’s like to forgo sticky candies. Of course, braces are still incredibly important for many children. Each child is different, and so are their dental needs. So, how do you know if your child will need braces as they get older? The answer is simpler than you might think: orthodontic evaluations are here for that very reason!
Common Reasons Kids May Need Braces
First off, what are the common reasons a child might need braces? Every smile is unique and perfect in its own way, but many children benefit from the help of orthodontics, and not just for aesthetic purposes—it can also improve their speech and even digestion.
Crowded or Crooked Teeth
Crowded or crooked teeth are incredibly common. Though quirky in some cases, these overlapping teeth can create many issues in a child’s life. It makes it harder for them to get rid of every piece of food trapped between them. This trapped food quickly turns into an enamel-eating monster that will put the child at an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Bite Issues
Bite issues (overbite, underbite, or crossbite) are another common problem that children have that requires orthodontics. Sometimes, an extreme bite issue can require earlier interventions, such as palate spreaders. Solving bite issues young can prevent the need for major reconstruction surgery to solve the problem as an adult. Without it, it can be harder to eat properly or even form words correctly.
Gaps or Spacing Problems
Gaps or other spacing problems in a child’s teeth can lead to further issues as they age. When your teeth are too close together, it could be harder to get your teeth cleaned completely after a meal. This creates the perfect spot for bacteria to set up camp and eat away at the enamel, leading to tooth decay. Gaps can create issues with speech or eating, but the neighboring teeth are also known to shift to bridge that gap. With time, this can create an even more severe alignment.
Signs That Your Child May Need Orthodontic Treatment
Are there any signs that show that your child might need orthodontic treatment in the future? To officially give the green flag on braces or clear aligners, it is up to your child’s dental team. But there are a few things that can point toward the need for orthodontic treatment.
If your child has any difficulty chewing or speaking, they might benefit from braces. If they end up with pain or discomfort throughout the day, whether from just speaking or eating, that’s another sign that they might benefit from orthodontic treatment. If you notice they have any severe misalignment, braces can likely help them out.
If your child loses their baby teeth too early, it leaves a gap that the other teeth will try to fill. This creates severe misalignment. If your child loses them too early, this is another sign that they will likely need orthodontic treatment in the future. Older children that suck their thumb are also candidates for orthodontic treatment. Using a pacifier or sucking their thumb, later in life, can interfere with their bite.
When to Schedule an Orthodontic Evaluation
What are you supposed to do if you notice any of these problems with your child? How do you get them the care that they need? The first step to getting orthodontic help for your child is the initial orthodontic evaluation. It is recommended that every child, whether they show these signs or not, be evaluated around the age of seven. This lets the dental team detect any problems early, so everyone can work together to get your child the dental assistance that they need.
Certain dental problems, specifically bite issues, require early treatment to achieve optimal results. If you don’t see any problems in your child’s teeth, don’t panic at the idea of an orthodontic evaluation. Remember that it’s just better to rule everything out and know what you are dealing with.
Every child is different—and so is their orthodontic journey.
Remember that orthodontic treatment is tailored to each child’s individual needs. Some children require braces, some do not. Some need early intervention, such as a palate spreader, while others just need a few months with braces as a teenager. No matter what your child needs, you can rest assured that the team here at Must Love Kids is ready to take care of your child’s smile, and help it be the best that it can be.
If you are ready to speak with a specialist to determine the best course of action for your child, you can schedule a consultation online in just a few clicks.
