There comes a time when it is apparent that a child should be checked to see if he or she needs braces. As children’s mouths form, genetics and habits like thumb-sucking can lead to crooked teeth and other abnormalities in the mouth structure that can have an impact on how they eat, their speech patterns, and their appearance. Dentists and orthodontists will look for common signs that indicate the need for orthodontic treatment.
1. Crowding of the Teeth
When teeth become crowded or don’t have enough to room to grow, they can begin to turn sideways or shift out of their original positions. Crooked teeth can cause problems with speech and lead to an irregular bite pattern. As time progresses, this can result in excessive wear and tear of the biting/chewing surfaces of the teeth.
2. Problems Chewing
A misalignment of the upper and lower jaws can lead to problems chewing. If the teeth do not work together, the foods may not be broken down sufficiently before they enter the digestive tract. Not only will this begin to wear away the surface edges of the teeth, it also can lead to pain and discomfort in the temporomandibular joint. Braces can help straighten teeth, aligning the chewing surfaces properly. This can reduce the pain and discomfort caused by improper alignment of the joints and chewing surfaces.
3. Spaces or Gaps between Teeth
Spaces and gaps between teeth can be fixed easily with the use of braces. While gaps and spaces will not necessarily cause any long-term problems with chewing or speech, they can make a person self-conscious about his or her looks. Braces, retainers, and other types of orthodontic appliances can be used to shift teeth to move them closer together and close gaps.
4. Over/Underbite
A severe overbite or underbite can cause damage to the temporomandibular joint and uneven wear to the surface of the teeth. It can also have a noticeable effect on a person’s speech patterns. Braces can realign the teeth and shift the jawbones back into place. Having either type of bite pattern can eventually cause crooked teeth and uneven bite patterns.
A close look at a child’s teeth will determine whether he or she will benefit from having braces. Consult Kapadia Orthodontics to find out if your child needs braces.
