If you notice that your child’s teeth aren’t perfectly straight, perhaps even visibly crooked, should you schedule an appointment for them to get braces immediately, or is this jumping the gun? It can be tough to know when they should see an orthodontist in Schoharie if you don’t know what to look for, but here are three BIG signs that you need to schedule an appointment sooner rather than later.
Normal Crowding vs. Bad Crowding
It’s alright for your child’s teeth to be slightly crooked or a little crowded, but it becomes an issue when this lack of room prevents proper development of the mouth. How can you tell the difference?
Most children begin losing their baby teeth around six years old. Some start a little before or a little after—everyone is different! However, if your child’s permanent teeth are starting to come in behind their baby teeth that refuse to go, or their teeth are so jammed together that it’s difficult to see them all, then this likely presents an issue that only a professional can resolve.
Bad Bites
Does your child have issues chewing or biting certain foods? Do they accidentally bite their cheeks all the time? Is their upper or lower jaw noticeably out of proportion with the rest of their face? This can stem from unequal jaw development or malocclusion, which is the technical term for issues like overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. They won’t just grow out of this—the only way to address it is with braces!
Their Dentist Says So
Has your child’s dentist recommended that they get braces? If so, what you need to do next might seem pretty straightforward, but if you’re still unsure, you can get a second opinion from an expert—an orthodontist! They’ll examine your child’s teeth and bite, take X-rays to look at their incoming teeth, and not only tell you if your child needs treatment, but when the best time would be for it to start.
Basically, if your parental instincts are concerned about your child’s teeth, it’s best for everyone to just schedule an appointment. Whether your child requires treatment or not, an orthodontist can give you the peace of mind you want.
About Dr. Cheryl Sorbero
Dr. Cheryl Sorbero is our in-house orthodontist at Schoharie Dental. She earned her dental degree at the Howard University College of Dentistry where she also completed her specialty training in orthodontics. Practicing for over 15 years so far, she is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists and Northeast Society of Orthodontists.
Do you believe your child needs braces? Not sure but just want to talk about it? Dr. Sorbero and our team are eager to put your mind at ease—you can schedule an appointment by clicking here or call us at (518) 254-5664.