Parenting doesn’t come with an instruction book, so it’s natural to find yourself asking questions like “will my child need braces?” Since studies estimate that anywhere between 50-75% of children end up needing orthodontic treatment, you probably wouldn’t be surprised if your child needed braces too. However, many parents are shocked to hear their dentist recommend them so early! Of course you want the best for your child, but do they really need orthodontics as early as the age of seven? While you may be tempted to put off your little one’s treatment until they’re older, this could put that precious smile at risk of permanent damage. Here’s what can happen if your son or daughter doesn’t get braces when they need treatment.
The Dangers of Putting Off Orthodontic Treatment
If your child’s dentist or orthodontist has recommended that they begin an orthodontic treatment, it’s for good reason. Putting it off can cause serious issues like:
- Weakened, chipped teeth: Misaligned teeth are exposed to extra wear and tear, which weakens them and can eventually lead to chipped or cracked teeth.
- Severe bite problems: If your child’s jaws are growing at different rates, they may develop a mismatched bite such as underbite, overbite, or crossbite.
- Jaw soreness or stiffness: Crooked teeth and misaligned jaws will put extra stress on the jaw joints as your child speaks and eats, which can lead to soreness, stiffness, or even TMJ disorder.
- Difficulty eating or speaking clearly: Untreated orthodontic issues can make it difficult to chew food comfortably and speak clearly, which dramatically impacts quality of life.
- Changes in facial development: In severe cases, misaligned teeth and bites can influence the development and shape of the jaws, chin, roof of the mouth, and face.
- Increased risk of oral health issues: Crooked teeth are notoriously difficult to keep clean, which dramatically increases your child’s risk of problems like cavities and gum disease.
- Lower self-esteem: If your child is embarrassed of their smile or if their mouth is uncomfortable from untreated orthodontic issues, they make start to feel less confident.
- Expensive treatments late in life: Putting off your child’s treatment now can cost you more time and money on treating their orthodontic issues later.
Pediatric Orthodontics: Braces for Baby Teeth?
Pediatric orthodontics are designed to treat problems while your child’s mouth is still growing. Not only does this prevent the serious issues above, but it can typically be completed in less time than a traditional orthodontic service. Depending on the unique needs of your little one’s smile, they may benefit from orthodontic headgear, and expansion appliance, a specialized retainer, a space maintainer, or limited phase braces. Remember, early orthodontic intervention now means fewer problems for your child to deal with (and you to pay for) later.
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics, we’re pleased to offer effective, personalized, and comfortable treatments for smiles of all ages in Hopkinton. Whether you need adult braces, your teen needs Invisalign, or your child needs pediatric orthodontics, we have what your family needs to achieve a happy, healthy smile. What’s more, our talented team will be with you every step of the way to ensure your treatment goes as smoothly as possible. To learn more about pediatric orthodontics, we can be contacted online or at (508) 435-1200.