How To Determine If Your Child Needs an Orthodontist

Braces used to be rite of passage for teens, but braces actually can be beneficial for children as young as 6.

The team at Wired Orthodontics in Markham, Ontario, recommends that parents start looking at their children’s teeth during the first year. Dentists ask parents to bring children in for an initial visit within six months of the first tooth erupting or by age 1.

The first step in determining if your child might need braces is to have regularly scheduled dental visits. Your dentist will monitor the growth of teeth, and he or she might suggest that you schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. Orthodontists are dentists who specialize in correcting misaligned teeth.

The best age for braces is different from patient to patient. Children between the ages of 6 and 9 may be recommended for braces In severe development issues, according to the specialists at Wired Orthodontics. Success is usually more predictable in a growing jaw, ands some problems are best corrected even before all of the adult teeth come in.

In many young patients in Markham, Ontario, the staff at Wired Orthodontics find it productive to consider braces between the ages of 10 and 13. At that time all of the baby teeth have fallen out.

Wired Orthodontics notes a number of indicators for parents in Markham, Ontario, who might wonder if their children will need braces.

Orthodontists generally recommend braces between the ages of 8 and 14. Having a conversation with an orthodontist early in your child’s tooth development can help you get on the right path before painful and severe problems occur.

Misaligned adult teeth can be caused by early, late or irregular loss of baby teeth. Children who have difficulty chewing may have bite alignment issues. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth may cause decay and should be corrected with braces.

The staff at Wired Orthodontics suggests parent examine their children’s jaws. Do they shift or make sounds? Consult an on orthodontist to correct issues like biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth and teeth that meet abnormally — or not at all.

When you look directly at your child, you may notice jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face.

Any of these signs is an indicator that you should consult an orthodontist, like the staff at Wired Orthodontics in Markham, Ontario. Orthodontists can help you develop a care plan, which could include traditional metal braces. Young patients also may benefit from less noticeable options like Invisalign, the clear aligner that makes adjustments over time.

A beautiful smile that will last a lifetime is possible with braces, but they also help prevent health issues like tooth decay, digestive problems and heart disease. Wired Orthodontics can get your child on track for a healthy life.