How to Tell If Your Child Needs Orthodontic Treatment

Anyone can get their teeth corrected at any age, but it’s faster and more effective to intervene while your child’s jaw and teeth are still developing. With early orthodontic treatment, you can reduce time spent in braces and make things easier to adjust in the future. If you have concerns about your child’s teeth, a dentist can help determine what measures to take, and when to start orthodontic treatment. 

At the dental practice of Dr. Padmaja Yalamanchili in Fairfax, Virginia, we offer dentistry for children to maintain your child’s smile as they grow to maturity. If your child shows signs of a crowded jaw or an incorrect bite, we can help with orthodontic treatment tailored specifically for their care.  

Common orthodontic problems

Few kids have perfect teeth. When a child grins, it’s natural to see gaps in their smile, crooked teeth, and other imperfections. These are charming parts of childhood, and those cute, crooked baby teeth will fall out eventually. As long as they’re healthy and functional, how they look is inconsequential. 

The development of adult teeth may happen without incident, with the jaw growing rapidly to prepare for their arrival. Teeth shift naturally to make room for one another, and eventually your child’s arches of teeth should straighten and their jaws align for a natural, even bite.  

However, many children develop some kind of orthodontic issue along the way. This includes crowding, protruding teeth, jaw misalignment, or malocclusion (a misaligned bite.) Here are a few red flags you should be aware of and monitor to spot orthodontic problems early in your child’s development:   

• Difficulty eating or speaking
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Oddly shaped or angled teeth
• A protruding or receding jaw
• Bad habits like thumbsucking or biting the inside of the cheek
• Facial asymmetry 

When to visit the dentist

While many orthodontic problems resolve themselves as your child ages, ones that don’t can interfere with their lives forever. This is why it’s important to have your child evaluated by a dentist on a regular basis. It not only helps with diagnosis, but prevents tooth decay and educates your child about the importance of dental hygiene. Early orthodontic intervention, when needed, can protect your child’s smile with minimal time spent in dental braces or Invisalign®, and they can enjoy a straight smile sooner in life. 

Even if your child’s teeth were perfect last time you took them to the dentist, every visit helps to add to their dental records. Successful visits help them take control of their oral hygiene, and give them a positive experience to look back on. 

For children with dental anxiety, Dr. Yalamanchili offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to make the experience as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. If it’s been a while since your child’s last appointment, or if you have concerns about the state of their smile, contact our office. To schedule an appointment, call 703-213-5312 or book online today.