7 Essential Signs Your Child Needs to See an Orthodontic Specialist

Before you know it, they’re ready for braces.

Children have a habit of growing up far too fast. One day your little one is taking their first steps, and the next thing you know, they’re ready to get braces. How did things change so fast? It really can feel like it happens overnight, especially because orthodontic issues can start earlier than most parents expect. Certain problems even need to be addressed before a child’s soft palate is done growing, meaning the orthodontic process has to be started before puberty takes hold.

So how do you know that your little one needs earlier orthodontic care? First things first, you can take a deep breath because you have an amazing team here at Must Love Kids that’s ready to help you every step of the way. If we see any signs that your child might benefit from orthodontic care, we will go over them all with you. Dr. Mo, our pediatrician on staff, specializes in orthodontics, and is able to offer expert care in a fun and supportive environment.

But at home, there are a few signs you can watch for to help prevent larger problems later on. Let’s explore 7 signs that it may be time to schedule an orthodontic appointment.

Signs It’s Time for an Orthodontic Check

1. Crowded or Overlapping Teeth

As your child grows, you might start to notice that their teeth are getting closer and closer together. This is fine, but occasionally, there isn’t enough space in your child’s mouth to ensure their permanent teeth have a place to grow in. If this is the case, your child might benefit from some early orthodontic treatment to keep their smile in tip-top shape and prevent more complex treatments later on.

2. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth

Those baby teeth, though absolutely adorable, need to fall out so the adult teeth can come in. This is a delicately timed dance. If they fall out too early, the other teeth might have too much time to shift and take up the empty space. If they refuse to fall out, this can make it harder for adult teeth to come in without shoving their neighbors in all sorts of directions. This problem can result in some in-depth orthodontic work in the future, so it’s best to work on the problem earlier whenever possible.

3. Bite Issues (Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite)

Bite issues, like an overbite, underbite, or even a crossbite, are a common problem that requires early intervention. The problems that come with bite issues can vary greatly, sometimes leading to jaw discomfort or uneven wear on teeth, and other times making it difficult for your child to speak properly or chew their food completely. If you notice any of these signs, it might be worth looking into an orthodontic specialist to help your child’s smile be the best it can be. 

4. Thumb Sucking or Tongue Thrusting

A lot of children suck their thumbs, often for comfort. Though this is cute when they are babies, it can create problems as they age. As their mouths develop, the pressure from their thumb, a pacifier, or even their tongue can change how their jaws develop and shift their front teeth.

5. Mouth Breathing

Have you noticed that your child tends to breathe through their mouth each night, even when they’re not sick or congested? If your child tends to breathe through their mouth more often than not, it can often mean that they have narrow jaw development or other airway issues that could lead to problems later on in life.

6. Jaw Shifting or Clicking

If your child’s jaw tends to shift or click while they’re going about their daily life, this could be a sign that something isn’t aligned properly. This shifting or clicking might lead to pain or issues with their speech patterns later in life.

7. Speech Difficulties

A common sign that your child might benefit from orthodontic work is that they are struggling with their speech. If you think your child’s misaligned teeth or jaw positioning might have something to do with their speech delays, it never hurts to contact us at Must Love Kids and see if there is something that can be done to help.

Ready for an orthodontic evaluation?

If you notice any of these signs, now is the perfect time to schedule an orthodontic evaluation. Dr. Mo here at Must Love Kids specializes in orthodontics and is ready to help each one of her little patients get onto the road to their unique, perfect smile! The entire team here strives to make the process easy, comfortable, and tailored to their growing smile.

Are you ready to schedule your child’s orthodontic evaluation? You can do so online in just a few clicks!