6 Signs Your Child May Be In Need of Orthodontic Treatment

Did you know that the most common problem orthodontists treat is crooked teeth? Even though it can be caused by genetics or bad oral hygiene, getting your child’s teeth straightened early on can help prevent further problems later on.

To determine if your child needs treatment, here are some key signs of misalignment to look out for:

Some Signs Your Child Needs Braces

The most common reasons to look into orthodontic treatment for children are listed below, but there are many less known indicators that only a specialist may be able to diagnosis. Still, if you notice any of these signs, talk with Dr. Botero and she can help give you a referral to an orthodontic specialist:

1. Open bite
2. Gaps in between teeth
3. Gum disease from teeth crowding
4. Jaw problems
5. Colliding teeth
6. Lip or tongue thrusting

Treatment Options

There are various treatments out there to help improve your child’s smile, but the most common options are Invisalign (clear aligners) or white bracketed braces.

When choosing between treatment, you can consult with an orthodontist for further advice. You will also need to consider factors such as the look and placement of the equipment, treatment time, cost, etc. Whatever you decide for your child, remember that while it may be a little more costly at first glance, correcting misalignment problems now can help your child avoid further expenses and complications later on.

Make an appointment as soon as you see any signs of irregularities in your child’s mouth (e.g. sticking out front teeth, gaps between the teeth).  Again, the earlier orthodontic treatment is started, the easier and less time consuming it will be for both parents and their children to adjust to this process.

How to Prepare Your Child for Orthodontic Treatment

If you are starting orthodontic treatment soon, talk with your children about what might change and what they might expect during treatment. Other ways you can prepare your child for orthodontic treatment include:

• Making sure your child brushes their teeth twice every day and flosses once every day! If they have trouble doing this, try brushing their teeth yourself while they watch or by rewarding them each time they brush on their own with something fun.
• Talking about how orthodontic treatment means it is even more important than ever before to eat healthy foods because poor nutrition can lead to excessive plaque/tartar build-up that could lead to irreparable damage to their teeth.
• Introducing your child to the orthodontist during your initial consultation to help make the transition smoother once the braces are on.
• Reminding your child of positive experiences they (or you) may have had with a dentist or orthodontist in the past. This will help your child feel more confident that going to a new orthodontist won’t be all that different from visiting a previous one.
• Asking them what they want out of their treatment plan! Does he/she want straighter teeth or just to be able to smile with more confidence? Encourage them to always voice their opinions because this will help you know what kind of treatment they want and how hard they are willing to work for it.

Finding an Orthodontist That is Right for Your Child

There are different kinds of braces available – metal, clear ceramic, self-ligating – so it is important that you find a doctor who is knowledgeable about the latest advances in the field as well as a good fit for both your family and your child’s personality type. Since most children initially feel nervous around new doctors, it’s also best to choose an office with a friendly/welcoming atmosphere. This way, your child will feel more at ease when they start their treatment!

Our Team is Here to Help!

Our Tampa-based facility is designed to ensure that your family gets the best care medicine and science can provide with a gentle and kind approach.

Our well-trained staff has developed systems that allow patients and parents to move quickly through the treatment process with enjoyment and less fear! Call 813-576-0200 to schedule a children’s dentistry consultation with Dr. Botero today!