Signs It’s Time for Braces

Orthodontic problems, such as overbite and crowding, are usually visible as early as age 6 or 7 in most children. While there’s no “right” or standard age to get braces, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children get an orthodontic checkup by or before age 7. In general, orthodontic problems are easier to correct when children are younger and their jaws are still developing, even if they still have some of their baby teeth. 

At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics in Falls Church, Virginia, Nathalie Phaeton, DDS, and Ki Youn Kil, DDS, offer a range of pediatric dentistry treatments and orthodontic services for kids and adults. In this blog, they explain signs that it could be time for your child to get braces.

Signs it’s time for braces

Within six months after the eruption of their first baby tooth or by their first birthday — whichever comes first — children should begin seeing a dentist annually for dental exams and cleanings.

At your child’s first visit, our team helps you and your child get comfortable with the dentist, shows you how to care for your baby’s developing teeth and gums, and answers any questions or concerns you may have. 

Regular dental exams set up your child for a lifetime of good oral health. They’re also the best way to spot orthodontic problems as soon as they develop. The dentist can spot problems that may not be visible to the naked eye, but there are telltale signs to look for that your child might need braces.

The most common signs that your child may need braces include:

• Crowding, in which there isn’t enough room for each tooth to erupt properly
• Crooked teeth that overlap and are difficult to brush and floss
• Teeth that don’t align evenly when your child closes their mouth
• Cracking or clicking sounds when you child moves their mouth
• Speech issues
• Tongue/cheek biting
• Jaw pain

If your child has any of these issues or others you may be concerned about, come to Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics and we will give your child a thorough evaluation and let you know if they need braces.

Orthodontic problems corrected by braces

Braces are typically recommended to correct the following problems:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Open bite
• Crossbite
• Dental protrusions
• Spacing and crowding problems

If you suspect that your child needs braces or has other signs and symptoms of a dental problem, you don’t have to wait until their next dental exam to give us a call. Our team is available to answer all of your questions and concerns at every phase of your child’s development.

For more information about braces and other pediatric dentistry issues, call 703-498-2440 or book an appointment online with Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics today.