If you’re wondering whether your child needs braces, it’s important to pay attention to certain signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for orthodontic treatment. While many parents think braces are only an aesthetic concern, proper teeth alignment plays a crucial role in oral health, speech, and overall jaw function. If you notice any of the following signs, it might be time for a consultation with an orthodontist.
1. Irregular bite
One of the most common reasons children need braces is an irregular bite. This could include an excessive gap between the upper and lower teeth (known as an “overbite”), improper relationships between the upper and lower teeth, or even a “deep bite,” where the upper teeth cover the lower teeth. These issues can cause difficulties with chewing, speaking, and even lead to jaw joint problems if not addressed in time.
2. Crowded teeth
If you notice that your child has crowded teeth or teeth that can’t properly grow due to a lack of space in the mouth, this could be a sign that orthodontic treatment is needed. Crowding can make it harder for your child to clean their teeth properly, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. A good orthodontist may recommend devices to expand the jaw or other treatments to allow the teeth to grow correctly.
3. Braces for speech issues
Sometimes, children have trouble pronouncing certain sounds due to improper tooth or jaw alignment. If your child has difficulty pronouncing certain consonants or seems to have speech “impediments” that don’t improve, an orthodontist may help assess and treat these issues. Braces can assist in correcting these problems.. Ako dijete ima poteškoća s izgovaranjem određenih suglasnika ili se čini da ima “smetnje” u govoru koje se ne povlače, ortodont može biti od pomoći u procjeni i eventualnoj terapiji. Aparatić za zube za djecu može pomoći u ispravljanju ovih problema.
4. Early or late loss of baby teeth
If your child loses their baby teeth much earlier than usual, or if they keep their baby teeth longer than normal,it can affect the development of the permanent teeth. Depending on the situation, an orthodontist may recommend additional treatments to properly guide the growth of the teeth and jaw.. Ovisno o situaciji, ortodont može preporučiti dodatne tretmane kako bi se pravilno usmjerio rast zubi i čeljusti.
5. Frequently chewing or holding the jaw to one side
If your child often chews or holds their mouth to one side, this could be a sign of an improper bite or jaw imbalance. These issues can be corrected with braces, improving chewing and preventing further worsening of the condition.
When Is the best time to visit an orthodontist?
Ideally, you should take your child to see an orthodontist for an evaluation between the ages of seven and eight. This is when most children begin to lose their baby teeth and their permanent teeth start to come in, allowing the orthodontist to assess the need for treatment. While treatment can start later, early intervention typically leads to better results and shorter treatment time.. To je razdoblje kada većina djece počinje gubiti mliječne zube, a trajni zubi počinju rasti, što omogućuje ortodontu da procijeni potrebu za terapijom. Iako je moguće započeti terapiju kasnije, raniji početak omogućuje bolje rezultate i kraće trajanje tretmana.
If you notice any of the above signs in your child, a conversation with an orthodontist could be the first step toward a healthy smile. Braces for children not only improve aesthetics but also contribute to oral health, proper jaw development, and better mouth function. If you’re unsure whether a visit to the orthodontist is necessary, feel free to contact our team (link to Facebook page) for advice and answers to all your questions.
