Your smile is one of the first things that people will notice about you—which means that the same goes for your child and their smile! However, sometimes your little one’s pearly whites might need a little assistance to look their best; fortunately, orthodontics in Orange can help! That said, it’s not always clear when the best time is for your child to receive braces. Here are five signs from your orthodontist that indicate it might be time for your child to get them.
1. They Complain About Mouth or Jaw Pain
Orthodontic issues aren’t always obvious, and sometimes, your child might feel as though something’s wrong even though nothing is apparently visible. If your child is regularly experiencing mouth or jaw pain, there might be an underlying issue that necessitates orthodontic treatment. One common cause for this pain is tooth misalignment, among other things.
2. Difficulty Biting and Chewing
If you notice that your child is experiencing difficulty when eating or taking a long time to bite and chew their food, it might be time to visit their orthodontist. Misaligned teeth can negatively impact your child’s ability to eat comfortably, which can have negative implications for their overall nutrition. Your child might also accidently bite their tongue or the insides of their cheeks when eating, which often indicates a misaligned bite.
3. Speech Issues
If your child’s teeth are crooked or out of position, they might have issues with pronunciation and air control, which in turn negatively impacts their ability to speak clearly. Pay close attention to your child’s speech—if they’re often mispronouncing certain words or struggling with speech in general, taking them to see their orthodontist (sometimes in tandem with a speech pathologist) can help.
4. Irregular Baby Tooth Loss
Children usually begin losing their baby teeth around age 5, and this can continue for a couple of years. However, if your child has begun losing their baby teeth earlier or later than normal, it might indicate the need for orthodontics. Baby teeth that are slow to fall out can sometimes cause permanent teeth to erupt directly behind them, often resulting in overcrowding.
5. Overlapping or Protruding Teeth
This is perhaps the most obvious sign that your child could benefit from braces. If your child has noticeably protruded or overlapping teeth, a visible bit issues like an overbite or underbite, or something else impacting the alignment of their smile, orthodontics in Orange can likely help!
Ensuring that your child receives the correct orthodontic care in a timely manner will set their smile up for long-term health, beauty, and functionality!
About the Author
An Orange County native herself, Dr. Renu Michelsen has proudly served patients and families in the area for several years. Her practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of available services including orthodontics. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (714) 492-1169.
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