How To Know If Your Child Needs Dental Braces

Many children really need braces. Usually a brace is recommended by the dentist to improve the appearance of the patient, but untreated teeth, jaws (overbite, open bite) and molars can also lead to problems later on.

How do you know if you need braces?

Whether a child needs braces usually depends on the position of the teeth and jaws. If the child’s teeth, molars and / or jaws are so crooked that it has problems with chewing, brushing or talking, braces are usually necessary. A bracket is usually placed if the teeth do not connect, if the teeth are crooked, or if the chewing surfaces do not connect. Sometimes a brace can also be placed if the child has protruding teeth or a lower jaw that is standing backwards.

Even when there are no problems, but the teeth are so skewed that this will (later) negatively influence the appearance of the child, it can be smart to go to the orthodontist for braces. In addition to crooked teeth, an overbite and lower teeth that touch the palate are the most common reason for braces. Regular teeth with upright teeth make it easier to eat, talk and keep the teeth clean.

Why does a child need braces?

Whether a child needs braces depends on various factors. The most common cause is that the shape / position of the jaws, teeth and molars is genetically determined. Congenital defects may necessitate treatment. In addition to these hereditary factors, factors such as mouth behavior also play an important role in the formation and growth of the jaw and teeth and molars during the growth period. Thumb sucking is a good example of this. And grinding teeth and tongue presses can also affect the growth and development of the jaws and teeth to such an extent that orthodontic treatment is necessary.

What is the best age for braces?

Generally speaking, treatments in children usually start between 9 and 13 years old. But also earlier, depending on the type of deviation. In girls often earlier than in boys The special thing about teeth and choosing is that they can be moved and corrected at any age. Orthodontic treatment is therefore possible at any age. What does play an important role in the choice of treatment is the health of the teeth and gums. Treatment is quite a burden on the mouth and therefore the teeth and gums must be in good condition. The largest group of patients consists of children between 10 and 15 years old. At that age the teeth are still developing and grateful use can be made of this flexibility to make the corrections.