How Can I Tell If My Child Needs Braces?

Crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw can cause various problems throughout a person’s life. They can make someone self-conscious about how they look, make chewing more difficult or painful, and even lead to speech impediments.

If your child needs braces, getting them to help from an orthodontist in Solon, OH, at an early age is important. The earlier you can get their teeth corrected, the better. Watching for the signs can help you decide whether to see an orthodontist.

Signs Your Child Needs Braces

There are many signs that your child needs braces. Below are some of the most common problems a child may experience when needing braces.

• Crowded teeth. If your child’s jaw is too small for the number of teeth that must fit in the space, some teeth will grow on top of others.
• Misaligned jaw. There are many ways that your child’s jaw can be misaligned. Underbites and overbites are examples of jaw misalignment problems that children can experience.
• Frequently bites their tongue or cheek. Proper jaw alignment and tooth alignment are important for proper chewing action. If your child regularly bites the inside of their cheek, this could be a sign they need braces.
• Difficulty pronouncing certain letters. Does your child have trouble saying certain sounds? Many things can cause speech impediments, and poor tooth alignment is one of them.
• Crooked teeth. If your child’s teeth are crooked, braces can correct the problem.

How to Get Your Child Braces

If your child needs braces in Solon, OH, start by getting them evaluated for braces by a qualified orthodontist. Make an appointment with McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics today.