Does Your Child Need Orthodontic Treatment?

As your child’s teeth grow in, you may wonder if they are going to need orthodontic treatment. The answer depends on a number of factors, and it’s practically impossible to determine this on your own.

What Does Your Dentist Say?

Your family dentist is often the first to notice the signs that your child may need orthodontic treatment. You should be taking them for periodic cleanings and exams, and during this process, your dentist will see the progress that your child’s juvenile and adult teeth are making as they grow in. It may be premature to adjust teeth that are just growing in, but on the other hand, it may be necessary to avoid problems, either now or in the future.

Does Your Child Have Trouble With His or Her Bite?

Orthodontics is often thought of as a cosmetic procedure to achieve perfectly straight teeth. But in some cases, it can be much more profound than that. Your child may be experiencing serious issues with his or her bite, or even the alignment of his or her jaw. This can have serious implications and can lead to problems that are easy to fix now but may get more difficult to fix as your child gets older. If orthodontics now can help you avoid jaw surgery later, it’s worth it, even if further work is needed when your child is older.

Does Your Child Have Issues With Their Baby Teeth?

Orthodontics is usually considered something to worry about with adult teeth, but the issues often begin with the baby teeth. Losing them early, having them stay in later than expected, or baby teeth that are growing in at extreme angles are all factors that may disrupt the proper formation of your child’s adult teeth.

An Orthodontist Can Help You Decide

An orthodontist can help you understand your options and the pros and cons of each. They aren’t automatically going to recommend braces or other orthodontic treatment for your child. Rather, they will take X-rays and examine your child’s teeth and jaw formation. Initial evaluations are often free or at a very reasonable cost. They can help you determine if your child needs immediate orthodontic treatment or will need it later. They often suggest coming back for another look in a year or more if the situation is uncertain.

You should not wait it out or try to figure out the situation on your own if your child’s teeth are coming in crooked. Get the advice of your dentist and an orthodontist to be sure.

For more information about orthodontic care, for a consultation, or to answer any questions you may have, contact an orthodontist, like an orthodontist in San Clemente, CA, today.

Thank you to the experts at San Clemente Orthodontics for their input into orthodontic care.