Signs Your Child May Need Braces

Braces are a necessity for many children around the country, and indeed around the world. Braces are worn from months to years to help to shift teeth in the mouth and bring them into correct alignment. This can not only make the teeth look more “normal” but reduce the risk of ongoing dental problems later in life. Most braces are fitted late in primary school or early in high school.

So, how do you know if your child needs braces?

Teeth that look too crowded in the mouth

If teeth are looking like they are butting up against each other, or even overlapping, then braces can help to separate them and put them back into line.

Gaps between the teeth

Similar to crowded teeth, teeth that are spaced too far apart may also be an indication that your child needs braces.

Crooked teeth

If your are finding that your child’s teeth are growing in diagonally, or rotated in the gums instead of straight, then braces can address the crookedness.

Also Read this: Is it Normal for Kids to Get Fillings?

Too small or too large teeth or jaw

Having teeth or a jaw that is too small or large in the mouth can be an indication that braces may need to be installed.

Strange speech

While strange speech may be from other causes, sometimes the reason for this is because the teeth are an occlusion causing the tongue not to be able to be placed in the right spot when speaking.

Buck teeth

Front teeth that excessively stick out can be pulled back into line with a set of braces.

An underbite or overbite

An underbite, where the top front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth, or an excessive overbite, where the top front teeth are far in front of the lower front teeth, may be able to be rectified by the use of braces.

Late thumb sucking

Thumb sucking past the age of around 6 can adversely affect the position of teeth in the mouth, particularly if adult teeth have come through. This can lead to buck teeth in particular.

While these can all be signs that your child needs braces, it is no substitute for taking your child to a dentist to assess whether they need braces or not. A professional can give you advice whether your child needs braces or some other dental solution to help with their oral issues.

Dental Avenue Maroubra are professional dentists who are very experienced in assessing children (and adults) for whether or not they need to get braces. If you are concerned about your child’s teeth then book an appointment with one of our specialists. We are even able to fit braces on site at our clinic if your child needs them.