If you’re wondering whether or not your child needs braces, look for the following nine signs. If your child is experiencing any of these problems, it might be time to consider kids braces in Oradell.
#1 – They have crooked teeth.
If your child’s teeth are crooked or misaligned, it could be a sign that they need braces for correction. Crooked teeth can be difficult to clean properly, which can lead to tooth decay and other problems.
#2 – Their bite is off.
An incorrect bite (also called a malocclusion) can cause a variety of problems, including pain, difficulty chewing or speaking, and tooth wear. It can be an overbite which is when the upper teeth protrude too far over the lower teeth, or an underbite where the lower teeth protrude past the upper.
If your child has an incorrect bite, it’s important to have it corrected early to avoid more serious problems down the road.
#3 – There are gaps between their teeth.
Gaps between teeth, called diastemas, can be caused by a variety of factors, including thumb sucking or early loss of baby teeth. If the gaps are large, they may be difficult to clean and could lead to problems like tooth decay.
#4 – They have a history of thumb sucking.
Thumb sucking is a normal habit for many kids, but it can cause problems if it continues for too long. If your child sucks their thumb or uses a pacifier excessively, it could cause their teeth to become misaligned.
#5 – They breathe through the mouth.
Mouth breathing is often a sign of allergies or other respiratory problems. However, it can also cause the teeth to become misaligned. If your child breathes through their mouth, kids braces in Oradell may be able to help.
#6 – Their jaws make odd noises.
Jaw popping or clicking can be a sign of TMJ, a condition that affects the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull.
If this is the case, you may need to consult an orthodontist or pediatric dentist in Bergen County since TMJ is best dealt with early.
#7 – You notice cheek biting.
If your child is biting their cheeks or tongue, it could be a sign that their teeth are misaligned. Cheek biting can cause pain and irritation, so if you notice this habit, they may need to get their teeth checked and see if braces are needed.
#8 – They complain about mouth pain.
Mouth pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including tooth decay, gum disease, or TMJ. If your child is in pain, it might be due to the unequal distribution of their mouth’s biting forces.
#9 – They have a lisp.
If your child has a lisp, it could be due to the misalignment of their teeth. A lisp is when someone has difficulty pronouncing the letter “s” correctly, and it can be corrected with braces.
Aside from this, misaligned teeth can also cause them to mispronounce some words or other consonant sounds.
Kids Braces in Oradell
When you seek help from a pediatric orthodontist, they will be able to tell you whether or not your child needs kids braces.
If they do, there are several types of braces that your child can choose from, including traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and invisible aligners.
Look no further than KinderSmile for your child’s consultation! Our team of experts—kids’ orthodontist in Bergen County and pediatric dentist in Bergen County—will be more than happy to help you and your child choose the best type of braces for their smile.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We also offer dental cleanings for kids in Bergen County as well as sedation dentistry in Bergen County. See you and your family around!