5 Inspiring Signs That It’s Time to Embrace Orthodontic Braces

At Gomez Family Dentistry, we want you to enjoy a healthy, radiant smile for life! Oftentimes, this entails orthodontic treatment to correct alignment issues or problems with overcrowding. As a parent, you may wonder, “What is the best age for orthodontic braces?” Many dentists feel the ideal age for orthodontic braces is between 9 – 14 years of age, as by then most of your child’s permanent teeth have come in.

Orthodontic braces work more effectively during your children’s preteen and teen years as their teeth and jaw are still developing. If you miss out on this timeframe, however, there’s no cause for alarm! Dr. Gina and Christopher Gomez can still straighten your teeth as adults.    

Here are five signs your children may need orthodontic braces for their teeth:       

1. Difficulty Biting and Chewing

Misaligned teeth can impair biting and chewing, as your teeth don’t meet as they should. This condition is known as malocclusion or a bad bite. Malocclusion can come in the form of overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites, all of which can impact chewing and the digestion of food. Correcting bite problems with orthodontics will facilitate chewing, enabling your pre-teen or teen to receive all the nutritional value from his or her food. 

2. Crooked or Crowded Teeth

A crooked or crowded smile is not only unsightly, but it also puts oral health at risk. These problems make it difficult for your children to brush and floss their teeth, putting them at risk of decay and gum disease. Through orthodontic treatment, we can prevent these and other oral issues associated with crooked teeth.   

3. Uneven Spaces Between Teeth

Uneven spacing is another sign of needing orthodontic braces. Tooth gaps may look cute in babies, but not so much in the pre-teen or teen years. Spacing issues also impact chewing and oral hygiene, as food can get trapped in the spaces between your child’s teeth, increasing his or her risk of cavities. Orthodontic braces will close those gaps permanently to improve the function and symmetry of your child’s smile.  

4. Jaw Pain or Clicking

Problems with jaw pain or clicking can often be attributed to misaligned teeth. When teeth don’t align properly, it can put undue pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to problems with the TMJ. Symptoms often include jaw clicking and pain, painful chewing, tension headaches and earaches. If your preteen or teen is experiencing TMJ issues, we can help resolve this condition through orthodontic treatment. 

5. Excessive Tooth Wear

When teeth aren’t aligned properly, your chewing forces aren’t distributed evenly, causing some teeth to wear down quicker than others. The excess force placed on certain teeth can lead to tooth damage, enamel erosion and sensitivity. Orthodontics can remedy problems with premature wear and tear to safeguard your children’s smiles for the future.   

How can I contact the Orthodontics Near Me?

To schedule a consultation for orthodontic treatment, contact Dr. Gina or Christopher Gomez from Gomez Family Dentistry at (850) 429-4664.

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