When your child has an oral health concern, your dentist may recommend a visit to an orthodontist. An orthodontist specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should receive an initial orthodontic assessment no later than age 7. Here are some reasons why your family dentist may suggest such a visit.
1. CROOKED TEETH
When teeth are crooked, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist. Crooked teeth can result from overcrowded or misaligned teeth, bad oral habits like thumb-sucking, and genetics. According to Humana, over 4 million people in the U.S. use braces to help straighten their teeth and improve their oral health.
2. MISALIGNED JAW
If your child has an overbite, underbite, or another misalignment of the jaw, only an orthodontist can help the situation. Orthodontists can use corrective devices, such as braces, to realign the jaw and help restore proper function. The orthodontist knows which device is best based on the severity of the misalignment.
3. CROWDED TEETH
Your child may begin to show signs of crowded teeth as they grow. Crowded teeth may occur when there is not enough room in the jaw for all of the teeth to fit normally. . An orthodontist will assess the situation and design a treatment plan that can help reduce overcrowding of teeth and provide an improved bite.
4. DIFFICULT TO CLEAN
The dentist may notice your child’s teeth are difficult to properly clean, due to overcrowding or other alignment issues. If this is the case, orthodontic care will help improve the overall oral hygiene of your child and make it easier for them to keep their teeth clean. If each tooth doesn’t have enough space to be properly cleaned, it can lead to cavities and other dental issues.
5. JAW PAIN
Does your child have jaw pain or discomfort? If your child is experiencing pain or discomfort in the jaw area, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist for further evaluation.
Your dentist may suggest your child visit an orthodontist for a variety of reasons, such as crooked teeth, misaligned jaw, crowded teeth, or difficulty cleaning. An orthodontist can assess your child’s dental situation and create a treatment plan that will help improve their oral health. Give OrthodonTEX a call today to consult with an orthodontist today.
