Posted on October 21, 2021
You’ve probably heard the term orthodontist. These dental professionals specialize in correcting alignment issues with teeth and jaws, sometimes using braces or other devices. The goal is to give patients a straight smile and a good bite. So, when should you be thinking about taking your child to see an orthodontist? Here are some key signs that it may be time.
These dental professionals specialize in correcting alignment issues with teeth and jaws, sometimes using braces or other devices. The goal is to give patients a straight smile and a good bite. So, when should you be thinking about taking your child to see an orthodontist? Here are some key signs that it may be time.
If your child has an open bite, meaning their teeth don’t touch when biting down, it may be a sign that it’s time to see an orthodontist. This condition is caused by misaligned teeth or jaws that prevent the lower and upper teeth from coming together. An orthodontist can help correct the problem and improve your child’s ability to eat and talk.
If your child starts showing signs of overcrowding, or if their adult teeth are coming in crooked, it may be time to visit an orthodontist. These issues can cause permanent damage as well as pain for your child. An orthodontist can perform several procedures that will help straighten your child’s teeth and jaws, typically using braces.
Some children habitually breathe through their mouths, which can signify that it’s time to see an orthodontist. This is because the child needs their teeth to move into better alignment to allow breathing to become normal. An orthodontist can help discontinue mouth breathing.
Spacing between teeth is another sign that it’s time to see an orthodontist. If the space is large enough, food can get stuck in there and cause cavities. An orthodontist can use braces or other devices to close this gap. If baby teeth are causing problems with spacing, an orthodontist can help get them out of the way to make way for adult teeth.
If the front teeth are misaligned, it can be hard for your child to eat, speak and smile. Plus, the condition is painful. An orthodontist can address this problem by straightening the teeth or even performing oral surgery if needed.
A protruding lower front tooth may be a sign that it’s time to see an orthodontist. This condition is caused by a misaligned bite, and the resulting aesthetics can lead to social stigmas. An orthodontist can help get rid of this problem with braces or other orthodontic devices.
