Both of my young children, now eight and five years old, are thumb-suckers. Each time I take them to the dentist, we’re all reminded of the dental problems that this habit can create. As my kids grow and develop, my concerns regarding whether or not they’ll need braces or retainers have steadily increased.
In our society, a healthy smile with straight teeth gives children an advantage. Using braces and retainers also effect the growth and development of your child’s jaw and face, helping to prevent dental problems later in life. Issues like teeth spacing can be addressed more easily while children are young.
The Benefits
However, braces and retainers offer more advantages than merely straightening teeth. They can correct habits like thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting as well as improvement the development of speech. Preventing overcrowding of teeth also helps keep teeth clean and healthy, since providing space in between them can help keep them clean and free from cavities. There are also occasions where a child’s bite may cause them pain when chewing.
An Initial Exam
Taking children to the dentist when they’re young is always a good idea, and an orthodontic exam is appropriate once your child’s permanent teeth begin to come in – generally around seven years of age. If you’re curious whether or not your child needs braces, take him/her in for an initial exam by a dental professional.
During this examination, your child could also have a teeth cleaning and mouth x-rays in order to get a comprehensive overview of your child’s teeth. The dentist will also take into account your child’s facial growth, crowded and crooked teeth, gaps or spaces between teeth and the presence of extra teeth.
Consistent Monitoring
So does your child need braces? There’s no easy answer. Every child is different, and whether or not your children need braces depends on the severity of any issues as well as individual growth and development. A habit like thumb-sucking may also effect whether or not your child will need braces or retainers, since it can change hinder normal growth and development of your child’s jaw and face.
For some kids, early intervention is best. Crooked teeth can be corrected before your child’s physical development has completed. If this kind of action isn’t necessary, it’s a good idea to have periodic exams that address whether or not your child needs braces or a retainer. Needs can develop quickly as kids grow and change, so periodic monitoring is important. It’s also to your advantage to get more than one professional opinion before making any decisions. This will help both you and your child feel good about any orthodontic work in the future.
Kelly Wilson is a busy mom and freelance writer who regularly takes her kids for exams by a dental professional like this dentist in Oregon City, Oregon.
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