Braces do more than straighten crooked teeth. They contribute to proper jaw alignment and bite functions while also ensuring your preteen or teenager enjoys a healthy smile as they grow up. If you believe your child might need orthodontic work but are not certain, there are several signs to watch for. Use the following guide to learn how to spot the need for corrective services. 

How Can You Tell If Your Child Need Braces? 

1. Speech Problems

Speech issues can indicate crowded teeth. Your child may have a lisp or might be unable to pronounce assorted words correctly. This could be the result of overlapping teeth due to insufficient space in the mouth. However, teeth crowding causes more than speech challenges and also makes cleaning between each tooth problematic. Without braces, your child’s risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases due to excessive mouth bacteria and plaque accumulation in hard-to-reach places. 

2. Chewing Difficulties

If your child’s teeth are crowded or their upper and lower teeth do not align correctly, biting into and chewing food becomes difficult. Crooked teeth can cause them to accidentally bite their tongue and cheeks and experience pain when chewing. If your little one often complains about pain when they eat or doesn't want to finish meals because of mouth discomfort, see an orthodontist. 

3. Overbite or Underbite

An overbite occurs when the upper teeth protrude instead of aligning with the bottom teeth, while an underbite indicates the opposite problem. Both types of alignment issues can cause premature tooth wear as teeth bang against each other. They can also make it difficult to speak, eat, and properly clean the teeth. Jaw muscles can become sore, as well.

4. Significant Tooth Gaps

Sometimes adult teeth erupt with gaps between them due to factors such as a large jaw, small teeth, or missing teeth. Although it's rare, adult teeth sometimes do not form or fully develop, resulting in noticeable gaps. An overgrown labial frenulum can also cause tooth gaps. This soft piece of tissue connects the underside of the upper lip to the gums, but when it is too large, it can cause tooth separations. Braces are adjusted over a set period, allowing teeth to shift into their correct positions to help close gaps. 

If your child is a candidate for braces, make an appointment at Lamont Jacobs Orthodontics. This orthodontist serves children, teens, and adults throughout Fairfield, OH, and the surrounding areas, providing a wide range of teeth aligner options to suit different dental needs. Call (513) 829-7045 to schedule a consultation for your child, or learn more about this dental practice and the available treatment options online.