4 Signs Warning Your Child Needs to See an Orthodontist

Your child’s teeth should line up so they’re straight up and down, without being crowded by other teeth. Their teeth should also line up when they clench their teeth. If your child’s teeth are misaligned, they need help from an orthodontist in South Plainfield, NJ.

As a parent, you can help your child by identifying when they need an orthodontic evaluation. You may not always be able to tell when your child needs braces, but watching for the warning signs can help you get your child help.

1. Their Teeth Are Crowded

Do your child’s teeth overlap, so some teeth seem like they don’t have enough space? This is called “crowding.” Crowding happens when teeth don’t have enough room on the jaw. Orthodontists can help with this problem through dental extraction and braces or clear aligners.

2. They Struggle With Speech

Some sounds are hard to pronounce when the teeth are not properly positioned. If your child has a persistent speech impediment, this could be a sign that they need braces. Have your child evaluated to find out whether this is the cause of their difficulty.

3. Their Bite Doesn’t Line Up

When your child clamps their teeth together, the front top teeth should come down slightly over the bottom teeth, and the teeth on the sides should line up. If your child’s bite doesn’t look like this, it could be a sign that your child’s bite needs correction.

4. They Find Chewing Painful or Tiring

Kids who need braces sometimes bite the inside of their mouth while they chew, or feel a painful clicking when their jaw comes together. If your child has complained about these problems before, talk to their orthodontist in South Plainfield, NJ.