At Everton Park Dental, a topic we’re often are asked about by parents is whether their child is likely to need braces. So we’ve compiled some common Q&A’s that might be of interest to you prior to seeing your dentist for specific advice about your child’s teeth.
Please keep in mind, this is general information only and should not be used in place of a
full consultation and referral by your dentist.
The good news is that at Everton Park Dental, consultations for children are rebate-only consultations with your private health insurance. So no out-of-pockets when you visit with your children!
Will my child need braces?
There are three main reasons for orthodontic treatment:
1. Function – ensuring the teeth are functioning well
2. Cleanliness – when teeth are straight they are easier to clean
3. Aesthetics – achieving the best cosmetic result for your child
Regular dental check-ups for your child from as early as one year will allow your dentist to monitor the growth and development of your child’s teeth and advise if, and when, you should consider orthodontic treatment.
Generally speaking, signs that your child may need braces are:
• Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty in chewing or biting
• Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
• Jaws that shift or make sounds
• Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
• Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
• Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
What causes the need for braces?
Tooth and jaw problems can sometimes be caused by tooth decay, losing baby teeth too soon, accidents, behaviours like thumb sucking or mouth breathing, or poor nutrition. But often they’re inherited, so if you or someone in your family needed braces, it’s likely that your kids will too.
What’s the best age to be fitted with braces?
There is no set time to get started with braces. It depends on a number of factors specific to your child and their teeth. Some problems are best treated as early as possible, even when mostly baby teeth are still in place (around ages 6-9); sometimes it is best to wait until most of the baby teeth have fallen out (ages 10-13).
Orthodontic treatment most commonly begins between ages 8 and 14. Kids in this age range have at least some permanent teeth and are still growing. Remember too that seeing an orthodontist earlier in your child’s life does not necessarily mean that they will start major treatment straight away.
What will braces do for my child’s teeth?
Braces can correct the alignment or spacing of teeth or problems with their bite caused by:
• Crooked or crowded teeth
• Missing or extra teeth
• An overbite or underbite
• Incorrect jaw position
• A disorder of the jaw joint
Often, addressing these issues in childhood will have both immediate results as well as long term benefits
Visiting your dentist early is the best prevention for issues in the future.
Call 3355 7936 to book an appointment over the holiday break.
We wish you and your family a happy and safe Christmas and look forward to seing your teeth in 2016!