Does your child keep biting their cheeks or have trouble chewing? This may be a sign that they need braces. Some orthodontic problems, like teeth crowding and bite misalignment, can put your kid at a higher risk of developing cavities and other common oral health issues. Plus, having straight, healthy teeth can help them feel more confident in their smile. Read on to learn about the tell-tale signs that your little one needs to visit their orthodontist in Parsippany.
Sign #1: Overbite
An overbite, or buck teeth, occurs when the top front teeth stick out over the bottom ones. While a slight overbite is normal, a more severe one can lead to various oral health issues and can be caused by thumb-sucking and pacifier use. Extensive overbites should be corrected to prevent premature tooth wear and other dental problems.
Sign #2: Underbite
This is a condition where the lower teeth extend farther than the upper ones. It’s usually a result of jaw misalignment and can be treated in a similar way as an overbite – by aligning the jaw and teeth with a carefully planned out orthodontic treatment.
Sign #3: Open Bite
This occurs when the top and bottom teeth don’t meet and leave an opening between them. A frontal open bite is more common, but it can also occur in the back of the mouth. This can make it hard to bite or chew food and can affect your child’s speech. Open bites can be genetic or be caused by prolonged pacifier use or thumb-sucking. Metal braces or Invisalign can usually correct an open bite, but severe cases may require oral surgery.
Sign #4: Crossbite:
If your little one’s top and bottom teeth on the sides of their mouth don’t line up, they have a crossbite. This could cause their teeth to wear unevenly and can be fixed by correcting alignment issues.
Sign #5: Crooked, Gapped, or Crowded Teeth
These are some of the most common reasons why children get braces. Crowded, crooked, or gapped teeth can make it difficult for your child to brush and floss properly. Thankfully, these issues can usually be easily fixed with traditional braces or Invisalign.
Sign #6: Mouth or Jaw Pain
Some orthodontic problems are felt, not seen. If your kid is experiencing regular pain in their mouth or jaw, there may be an underlying orthodontic issue that isn’t immediately apparent in their appearance. Consult their dentist to find out if your child needs braces to correct the problem.
Sign #7: Trouble Biting or Chewing
Misaligned teeth can make it difficult for your little one to eat comfortably. If they’re having trouble eating or bite their tongue or cheeks often, visit the orthodontist to see if braces can help.
Sign #8: Difficulty Speaking
If your kid has trouble with speech, it could be time to visit an orthodontist. Braces may be able to align everything properly so they can speak more clearly.
Orthodontists recommend that children get their first orthodontic checkup by the time they’re seven to catch problems early. If you notice any of the above signs before then, don’t hesitate to bring them in sooner. Knowing your kid’s smile is healthy is well worth the investment!
About the Practice
Rauchberg Dental Group treats their Parsippany patients with the best care around. They cater to smiles of all ages and have a full-time orthodontist on staff who can give your child a consultation to discuss if they need braces to correct alignment issues and achieve a more uniform smile. To learn more about which of their orthodontic options may be right for your little one or to schedule an appointment, call Rauchberg Dental Group’s office at (973) 718-9887 or visit their website.