Taking care of your child’s health is a demanding job as a parent. It is easy to overlook or forget how important oral health is to a child’s development. Thankfully, orthodontics can help restore and guide your child’s teeth toward oral success. However, it can be difficult to know if your child needs orthodontics. Here are some common signs that mean your child may need orthodontics.

Protruding Teeth

Protruding teeth are when your child’s teeth are turned slightly outward toward their lips. Protruding teeth appear clustered and often cause an overbite. This means your child’s teeth are likely permanently deformed unless orthodontics is used to correct them. If your child has protruding teeth, it is recommended they see a dentist.

Speech Impediments

A speech impediment is when you are unable to say certain words or syllables in the correct way. This is often because of some form of physical limitation. The structure of your teeth can drastically affect your speech. It is possible that your child’s speech impediment may be caused by their teeth and could be corrected with orthodontics.

Crowded Teeth

Similar to protruding teeth, crowded teeth are clustered together. However, crowded teeth are often crooked and overlap each other. This can cause difficulty eating, talking, and can affect a person’s confidence. Thankfully, orthodontics can assist in correcting crowded teeth.

Late or Early Tooth Loss

Children’s teeth fall out as they age. However, premature or late tooth loss can cause dental issues and different sizes of teeth trying to grow in. This can cause issues with bite, teeth crowding, protruding teeth, crooked teeth, and more. Children begin to lose teeth around age five and should have lost all teeth by age 13. If your child doesn’t fit within that range, it’s recommended that you take them to the dentist to see if orthodontics may be for them.

Orthodontics By Dr. Ania

Your teeth are more than just aesthetically pleasing; they are tools that are essential for your oral health. That’s why Dr. Ania Mohelicki provides orthodontic services for children and adults. Dr. Ania has been in practice for over two decades and brings expertise to every procedure. If your child is showing signs of needing orthodontics, contact Dr. Ania’s office at 303-729-3595 today.