It’s not always easy to spot a potential need for your child to see an orthodontist. Not every warning sign is immediately apparent. There are some indications, however, that may alert you to the necessity for early intervention. Some of the warning signs could be a visible misalignment, or malocclusion, such as the following scenarios:

Deep Bite: This is noticeable by the upper teeth hiding the lower teeth when biting down.

Open Bite: Often the result of thumb sucking, this type of bite is evident by a wide gap between the upper and lower teeth when biting down.

Over Bite: This type of misalignment is seen when the upper teeth over-reach the lower teeth when biting down.

Cross Bite: The lower teeth sit farther out than the upper teeth in this type of malocclusion.

Crowding: This is visible when there isn’t enough room for the teeth to come in at the gum’s arch.

Other signs may occur as symptoms, such as in the following conditions:

• Difficulty with biting or chewing food
• Headaches
• Digestive problems
• Breathing, snoring, or sleep problems
• Speech impediment

Although some corrective measures may require waiting for permanent teeth or a more mature jaw structure, other signs and symptoms can be treated early. In fact, catching problems early allows for greater treatment options that would otherwise become extensive if left too long. Timing is a crucial aspect of orthodontics. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should be evaluated by age seven. Cypress Orthodontist, Dr. Benjamin Creed advocates scheduling your child’s visit as early as 5 years old if any of the early warning signs are visible. When identified early, breathing problems, for instance, can be addressed and corrected. While treating possible orthodontic problems early does contribute to a healthy and beautiful smile, it also improves your child’s quality of life.

As a skilled and experienced orthodontic specialist, Dr. Creed will only recommend braces or any other corrective measures if they are of benefit to your child. All aspects of your child’s health, including age, will be considered prior to advisement.

Feel free to schedule a complimentary evaluation with Creed Orthodontics without waiting for a referral from your dentist. If Dr. Creed identifies a potential problem, he will inform you of the condition, treatment, and outcome. In the event that your child does not need early intervention, Creed Orthodontics will simply serve in a complimentary supervisory capacity and continue to monitor his dental health and development.