As parents and caregivers, we want to ensure that your child’s smile is healthy and that their teeth are growing correctly. At Smile, we offer multi-specialty care which means our pediatric dentist and orthodontist are at one convenient location. This allows them to work together to ensure your child gets the best care. As you schedule regular dental cleanings, our pediatric dentists will be able to monitor your child’s dental health and recommend braces if needed. When it comes to braces for children, here are some signs to look for:
- Gaps in Teeth: If your child has spaces between their permanent teeth, it may be a sign to book an appointment with the orthodontist. Gaps in between the teeth collect plaque, which can harden into tartar at put a child at risk for gingivitis and gum disease.
- Crowded Teeth: If your child seems to have too many teeth, there might not be enough room for permanent teeth to grow in the right spot. Crowding can cause pain, difficulty chewing, and challenges in cleaning teeth effectively.
- Underbite or Overbite: An underbite occurs when your child’s bottom teeth protrude farther than their upper teeth. This can happen when the lower jaw grows too much, or the upper jaw grows too little. An overbite is when your child’s front teeth extend farther than their bottom teeth. Both concerns can lead to difficulty chewing, trouble breathing, and can even make your child more prone to breakage and chipping.
- Mouth Breathing: If your child breathes through their mouth, they may need braces in the future. Mouth breathing can cause issues with the shape of their face, impacting the way their teeth grow and increasing the risk of tooth decay.
By monitoring these signs in your child’s dental health, you can be proactive in assessing the need for braces if necessary. These signs can be discussed during your child’s routine cleaning appointments with their pediatric dentist at Smile. Your child’s dental well-being is our priority, and our team is here to support you. If orthodontic treatment is recommended, your Smile dentist can seamlessly refer you to a Smile orthodontist for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan. If you have any questions, please reach out to your Smile provider to schedule an appointment.