How Do I Know If My Child Needs Braces?

As your child grows, you monitor their progress. You might mark their height on the door jamb or marvel at how quickly they grow out of their shoes. You also keep an eye out for any signs that they need some extra support as they develop.

If your child’s teeth look crooked, you might wonder if you should get them braces.  Irene Zaki, DDS, and our team can help. Dr. Zaki specializes in pediatric dentistry, so she can determine if your child needs orthodontic care. Visit us at Happy Teeth Children’s Dentistry in Riverside, California, to have an expert evaluate your child’s mouth. 

Signs your child might need braces

Crooked teeth are the most obvious sign that your child needs braces. But there are other, less obvious indicators that you can keep an eye out for, too. 

Those include:

Baby teeth that fall out earlier or later than normal
Biting their cheek or tongue frequently
Difficulties speaking clearly
Jaw clicking or complaints of jaw pain
Mouth breathing
Teeth grinding
Trouble eating

You should also check your child’s bite. While a slight overbite is okay, a more severe one could lead to oral health problems. 

If you’re noticing problems and your child is six years old or younger, you don’t need to worry yet. Braces work best when applied between the ages of 8 and 14 as your child’s mouth develops. 

Fortunately, you’re not the only line of defense against orthodontic issues; you don’t have to decide if or when it’s time to pursue treatment. 

At each appointment, Dr. Zaki checks your child’s bite and teeth alignment. To find out if your child needs braces, you only need to bring them in for regular teeth cleaning. 

Getting the orthodontic treatment your child needs

Dr. Zaki evaluates the alignment of their teeth and bite at each appointment. If she determines your child needs orthodontic treatment, she offers referrals. This way, she can recommend the right orthodontist for your child or teen. 

Your orthodontist then works with you and your child or teen to decide on the best course of treatment. While some smile issues need traditional braces, clear aligners like Invisalign® are an option for many pediatric orthodontic patients today. 

To schedule your child’s next dentist appointment and find out if Dr. Zaki recommends that you take them to an orthodontist, call our office or request an appointment online today.