Know When To Visit An Orthodontist

If you are a parent or guardian of a child whose teeth have been crooked since the day they came in, then you likely know that a visit to the orthodontist is a must as soon as possible. But what if you are unsure of whether or not your son or daughter should be checked out?

For parents in that type of situation who may not be sure whether their child or children have a specific need for braces or other types of treatment, there are several things to consider and signs to watch for when it comes to deciding when or if to take them in to see an orthodontist.

First and foremost, it is generally best to always assume that if there is any possibility that your child may need to see an orthodontist, it is best to bring him or her in. Taking preventatives measures is always safer and more effective than being reactive to a problem that may pop up, and having a professional observation and treatment can ensure that there are no surprises or potentially troubling issues as your children's teeth continue to develop.

Beyond that, it is important to keep in mind that children's smiles develop in several stages, which can proceed differently depending on the individual. Therefore, it is important to monitor the unique development of your children's teeth to keep an eye out for several signs that a visit to the orthodontist is absolutely necessary.

One of the first signs that professional attention is needed is if your son or daughter's baby teeth begin to fall out before they reach six or seven years of age. If this happens at such a young age, it can be a sign of a potential issue.

If each baby tooth falls out as it should, the next thing to pay attention for is overcrowding. If each adult tooth comes in at an awkward angle or is too close to those around it, this can lead to difficulty with brushing, flossing and general maintenance down the line and should be addressed as soon as possible.

A tooth that is sticking out at an unnatural angle can also be a sign that the jaw is growing abnormally, which can lead to more significant issues if allowed to continue untreated. This can also lead to tooth damage from being struck or chipped during everyday activities.

Finally, the style of bite that a child displays is one of the most common indicators that a trip to the orthodontist is needed. If your son or daughter has an underbite, where the bottom row protrudes beyond the top, or an overbite, which is the reverse, then orthodontics will become necessary to help correct this problem for both functional and aesthetic reasons.