s: When Are They Necessary?
Welcome to our blog on kids braces in Princeton! At some point, many parents encounter the question: When is the appropriate time for my child to have braces? While early orthodontics in Princeton is an important part of pediatric dental care, there are certain symptoms that can help determine if your child requires braces and when it is advisable to begin treatment.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the signs that your child might need braces and when it’s the right time to have them fitted. We’ll also provide some tips on getting kids braces and how to make the experience as smooth as possible!
Signs that Your Child Needs Braces
#1 – They have crowded teeth.
If your child’s teeth crowd each other or their top and bottom teeth don’t line up properly, it could be a sign that they need braces. This is because crowded teeth are more difficult to clean and can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay.
#2 – They have gaps between their teeth
Aside from overcrowding, gaps between your child’s teeth are one of the signs they need braces. Gaps, or diastemas, between the teeth can be caused by several things, including thumb-sucking, early loss of baby teeth, or genetics. While some kids will eventually grow out of this phase, others may need braces to close the gaps and prevent further spacing issues.
#3 – They have the wrong bite
Interceptive orthodontics is necessary if your child has either of the three: underbite, overbite, or crossbite. If left untreated, an incorrect bite can cause pain in the jaw and teeth and difficulty eating.
An underbite is when the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth. Overbite, on the other hand, is when the upper teeth overlap too far down the lower teeth. Lastly, crossbite happens when the top or bottom teeth bite inside the opposite arch.
#4 – They’re experiencing jaw pain and headaches when chewing
Jaw pain and headaches are common side effects of an incorrect bite. This happens because the muscles and joints in the jaw have to compensate for the misalignment, which can cause a lot of strain. If your child is experiencing any pain in their jaw or head, it’s best to consult with an orthodontist to see if braces are necessary.
#5 – They’re self-conscious about their smile
If your child is hesitant to smile or if they cover their mouth when they laugh, it could be a sign that they’re self-conscious about their teeth. While this isn’t a medical reason to get braces, it’s important to consider your child’s emotional well-being. If braces will help them feel more confident, it might be worth considering.
When is the Right Time to Get Braces?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as every child is different. However, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that kids see an orthodontist by age seven.
This is because, by this age, most kids have a mix of baby and adult teeth, making it easier for the orthodontist to spot any potential problems.
While some kids may need braces sooner, others may not need them until they’re older. The best way to know for sure is to consult with an orthodontist, especially if one or more of the symptoms above are already present.
Tips for Getting Kids Braces in Princeton
If you’re considering kids braces in Princeton, here are a few tips to make the process as smooth as possible:
- Choose an experienced orthodontist who specializes in kids.
- Ask about different types of braces and which one would be best for your child.
- Find out what the treatment process will be like and how long it will take.
- Ask about payment options and whether your insurance will cover any of the costs.
Getting kids braces in Princeton can be a big decision, which is why our experienced pediatric orthodontist is here to help.
Dr. Jonathan Nicozisis has been in the specialty practice of orthodontics since 1997. He has worked with a lot of pediatric patients and has mastered delivering comfortable treatment to children.
Your child deserves the best possible care, which is why we offer complimentary and/or virtual consultations for you. This way, you can learn more about our orthodontic treatments for kids and we can plan the best course of action for their unique needs.
At our state-of-the-art facility, we offer a variety of treatments for both kids and adults such as metal braces, Invisalign, and clear braces in Princeton. You can also rely on us if you ever need an emergency orthodontist in Princeton. Call us and we’ll set up an appointment with you at the soonest possible time.
If you need an orthodontist in Hopewell or braces in Lawrenceville, we are adjacent to those areas and can provide service. Give us a call to book an appointment today!
