If, as a parent, you’ve wondered, does my child need braces? Can children have Invisalign? Or is my child too young for braces? Read on for answers.
Can Children have Invisalign?
It’s perfectly normal for parents to wonder whether children can have Invisalign. Many will wonder, is my child too young for braces? Children can have Invisalign as long as their teeth have developed to a suitable stage. Invisalign is an excellent treatment option for kids because it requires fewer trips to your orthodontist. Plus, Invisalign aligners can be removed after 20-22 hours, making them a more comfortable choice for kids.
Does My Child Really Need Braces or Invisalign: Four Signs it’s Time
If you notice any of the following signs, then your child might need braces or Invisalign:
Crooked Teeth
Crooked teeth are the most obvious sign your child needs braces or Invisalign. Crooked teeth are usually a result of:
- Baby teeth falling out too early, causing the remaining teeth to move into the remaining spaces while adult teeth are growing
- Permanent teeth growing before baby teeth fall out
- Mouth breathing: causes the jaw to grow narrower and lower teeth to overcrowd or overlap
Speech Problems
The way we speak has a lot to do with jaw and teeth alignment. If your child often slurs words when they speak, it’s probably due to the lack of room in their mouth. If they find it difficult to pronounce, have a hard time pronouncing words, especially those with an S or an R, it could be due to a bad bite. Note, there may be other reasons behind such speech problems, but it’s best to consult your orthodontist first.
Difficulty Biting and Chewing
Children with a misaligned jaw or teeth usually have difficulty eating and chewing food because it’s painful. If your kid complains of pain when chewing or biting into something, doesn’t chew well, or avoids eating altogether, set up an orthodontist appointment to confirm whether they need braces or Invisalign.
Other signs your child needs braces can include:
- An underbite: Lower teeth overlapping top teeth
- A crossbite: Teeth that don’t meet on either side
- Overjet: Your child’s upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth
- Extensive overbite: This is when the front teeth overlap the bottom teeth extensively
Why Braces and Invisalign are More than Aesthetics
Braces and Invisalign go a long way in improving your child’s overall appearance, but their benefits are more than cosmetic. These treatments prevent existing bite issues from becoming worse. They are a lifetime investment because they also prevent health issues caused by misaligned teeth and jaws, such as headaches and migraines, from becoming a permanent problem during adulthood. They also set a foundation of healthy dental care habits that your child will follow into adulthood.
Is My Child Too Young for Braces or Invisalign? Find Out from the Experts
There’s no set age limit for Invisalign or braces. Getting these treatments early is often the best approach. While the signs above are an excellent way to tell whether your child is too young for braces or Invisalign, an expert opinion will give you peace of mind. Find an orthodontist now to get a consult!
Source: https://aosmiles.com/does-my-child-really-need-braces-or-invisalign-why-its-more-than-just-aesthetics/