Few of us are born with that perfect smile, but modern medicine can get pretty close. Three out of 4 children could benefit from orthodontic treatment. Forget your old ideas about orthodontics (“Tinsel Teeth, “”Metal Mouth”). Today there are many styles of braces that can help children actually make a fashion statement as their smiles are being perfected. Best of all, straightening teeth, correcting protruding jaws, improving bites and the other jobs of orthodontics have all become less painful and more successfully done.
Does Your Child Need Braces?
About 50 percent of children can benefit from braces. Though we tend to think of braces as a route to a beautiful smile, orthodontics can also correct talking or chewing problems. Any of the following signs may indicate that your child needs braces.
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• Early or late loss of teeth • Difficulty chewing or biting. • Finger sucking or other oral habits. (Especially after age six) • Crowding, misplaced or blocked out teeth • Jaws that shift or make sounds |
• Speech difficulty • Biting the cheek or into the roof of the mouth • Protruding teeth • Teeth that meet in an abnormal manner or don’t meet at all • Facial imbalance |
We recommend the first orthodontic examination between the ages of six and eight or whenever you or your family dentist identifies a problem. A child does not need to be referred to an orthodontist by a general dentist. A parent may call on their own for a free initial consultation.