Does My Kid Need Braces?

What time a child is ready for braces has varied over the years. Whether or not a child needs braces at all is also widely debated. Braces are a big expense for a family to take on. Children with braces might also deal with insecurities caused by them. Overall, getting braces is a huge decision, so if you think your child needs braces, it isn’t a choice you want to take lightly.

​The best person to discuss whether or not your child should get braces is their dentist. You should contact your local dentist, like a pediatric dentist Scranton, PA. Before you get to the dentist, there are a few signs that your child could end up with braces.

Your child’s age

If you have a young child who you think might need braces, you can possibly hold off on them for a few years. If your child is still under the age of nine, they could still go through periods of growth that can shift their teeth. Putting a child in braces too early might be a waste of any gaps or crooked teeth sort themselves out. Many people recommend that children get braces between the ages of 9 and 14. At these ages, their mouths are still growing, so their teeth will respond better to shifting.

Common signs a child could get braces

​You might notice some of the following that can tell you your child can benefit from braces:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
  
• Jaws that make noise or shift
  
• Thumb sucking when they were younger
  
• Biting their cheek or the roof of their mouth
  
• Mouth breathing
  
• Crowded or misplaced teeth
  

Are their problems medical or cosmetic?

If you’re really on the fence about your child getting braces, you should consider the severity of their problems. Some children have issues with breathing or eating that are caused by the positioning of their teeth. Even if your child has no health problems due to their teeth, the appearance might be bad enough that they can experience social issues among their peers, which is a very valid reason to get braces. Many dentists will recommend braces for children who don’t any serious problems, but don’t have completely straight teeth. If your child is willing to get braces and you can afford the cost, you might want to get braces just to give them ​perfectly straight teeth. If the teeth aren’t bothering them, there may be no need to have them adjusted. ​