Parents want the best for their children. They want to meet all of their needs and solve any problems. One common challenge many children face is developmental issues with their teeth. Misaligned or crooked teeth can affect the growth of permanent teeth. The problem will get worse as time goes on unless it’s corrected. Does your child need braces? The team at Michelle Munoz, DDS, is here to help.
Did you know crooked teeth can cause food to get trapped between teeth easily and if ignored, gum disease can develop? Once this happens, other extensive procedures may be needed to fix the issues that could have been avoided.
Signs Your Child Needs Braces
- Difficulty chewing and biting food
- History of thumb sucking
- Irregular loss of baby teeth
- Breathing through the mouth
- Teeth are crowded or misplaced
- Jaws may shift, or make popping noises
- Top and bottom teeth may not meet when chewing
- Kids may chew or bite their cheek or roof of their mouth
Many misalignment issues such as protruding teeth, too many teeth, missing teeth, and issues with jaw development could be inherited. Other problems develop over time because of bad habits such as thumb sucking, poor dental hygiene, or other health issues. Poor nutrition can also affect a child’s tooth development.
Once it has been determined that a child needs braces, treatment can start between the ages of 9 and 14. This age range is chosen because kids still have baby teeth and some permanent teeth. The presence of baby teeth means that the child is still developing, and it makes treatment easier.
If the child has any preexisting conditions such as damaged or decayed teeth, missing teeth, or gum disease, those problems need to be addressed with before getting braces. To find out if your child needs braces, contact our office to schedule a consultation. We serve patients in Uvalde, Texas, and the surrounding areas.
