Signs Your Child May Need Braces: How Early Intervention Helps

Besides being adorable, a child’s smile affects their confidence, speech, nutrition, and overall wellness. When children have misaligned teeth or problems with their jaws, not only can eating and speaking be more difficult, but these problems can also affect breathing.

Early intervention with a pediatric dentist in Melbourne, Florida, is key to correcting these issues. Let’s explore the signs your child may need braces. 

Crooked or Crowded Teeth

The most noticeable sign that a child may need orthodontics is visibly crooked or overcrowded teeth. In some cases, teeth may overlap, or they can even be too close together. This indicates that the child’s mouth may be too small for the teeth to align properly. 

Difficulty Chewing or Biting

Difficulty chewing food can indicate that your child might need braces. Ineffective chewing is a key indicator that their teeth or jaws may not be correctly aligned. 

Jaw Clicking or Shifting

Jaw clicking or popping sounds sometimes occur when there’s an issue with a child’s jaw joint tissue. Also, jaw misalignment can cause these troublesome symptoms. Orthodontic treatment can help align your child’s jaws to prevent long-term discomfort. 

Bite Alignment Issues

Sometimes bite issues are barely noticeable, but if you do notice that your child has a bite problem, it’s a good idea to have them checked at Sunshine Smiles. There are four main bite misalignment types: overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. 

A Children’s Dentist in Melbourne Has Your Solution

Recognizing the signs that your child needs braces will give them a head start on the best possible path in life. To get your little ones started on the road to a lifetime of happy smiles, contact Sunshine Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Melbourne, FL, today.