Normally, treatment with dental braces begins after a child has lost most of their primary teeth and a majority of the permanent teeth have erupted. However, depending on the circumstances, some children may benefit starting treatment a bit earlier than others. This is because they require a two-phase approach in order to correct their particular orthodontic issues. The following 4 signs could indicate that a child is a candidate for Phase 1 orthodontics in Franklin Park.
1. They are Still Sucking Their Thumb
Thumb-sucking is a completely normal habit for babies, toddlers, and very young children; it is used as a coping mechanism whenever they are stressed or anxious. However, they should normally grow out of thumb-sucking on their own between the ages of two and four. If the habit persists past age 5, it could lead to a misaligned bite, palate issues, speech problems, and various other complications. Thus, in addition to helping the child give up thumb-sucking as soon as possible, it is important for parents to schedule an orthodontic consultation as early as possible to see if the habit has already started to cause problems that could affect long-term dental development.
2. They Have Speaking Issues
If the teeth do not line up properly, they can impede the correct placement of the tongue while speaking, which may cause the child to develop a lisp or have trouble pronouncing certain words. Phase 1 orthodontics can be a key step in correcting speech disorders before they start to have an adverse impact on the child’s quality of life.
3. They Have Visibly Crooked or Protruding Teeth
While a proper diagnosis needs to be made by a qualified orthodontic expert, parents may be able to tell if their children need braces by observing the state of the teeth. If they are crooked or unevenly spaced, or if they are notably protruding, then the odds are high that orthodontic care will be needed at some point, and it is generally best to begin treatment as soon as it is viable.
4. They Have Problems Breathing Comfortably
Some children might experience mouth breathing, which can be caused by alignment issues with the jaw. If the problem is identified early enough, orthodontics can be used to gently expand the jaw to widen the mouth and clear the sinuses, allowing the child to breathe comfortably through their nose.
Even if parents do not observe any of the above indications for Phase 1 orthodontics, it is best to be proactive in matters of oral health. A child’s first orthodontic consultation should take place around age 7 so that treatment can begin as early as possible if needed.
About the Practice
At Grand Dental – Franklin Park, we boast a team of dental experts fully dedicated to creating a warm, friendly environment where patients and their children can feel at home. Thanks to our in-house orthodontist, we are able to correct a multitude of orthodontic issues, and we encourage you to bring your little ones in for an orthodontic consultation so that we can determine whether Phase 1 orthodontic treatment might be necessary. To schedule an appointment with our orthodontist, visit our website or call (847) 455-8383.