Dental health is of primary importance in our communities and many years of good health education have taught parents that it is important to look out for any dental health problems from an early age when it comes to their own children. An orthodontist specializes in the correction of misaligned teeth and other issues; if you suspect that your child might have some problems, it’s important to make an appointment as soon as possible.
How Do You Know If Your Child Has Problems?
While it is not uncommon to take our children to the dentist to have regular checkups, many parents don’t know when it might be a good time to make an appointment with an orthodontist in Glen Ellyn, IL. The fact is that taking your child to see an orthodontist early is a good way to receive advice and preventative treatment. Many specialists recommend taking a child around the age of seven, once they have a mix of teeth and the early signs of any problems can be found.
So, how do you know if you need to make an appointment? Here are some common signs to look out for:
* The teeth look out of place or misaligned, possibly due to heavy thumb or finger sucking that continues after baby teeth have come through.
* Visually, it is clear that baby and adult teeth are crowded, coming through at odd angles, or misaligned.
* The child has a tough time chewing food.
* Jaws seem to be too small or too long.
Treating Problems Early
Given the prevalence of orthodontic problems and the experience that many parents have had with their own dental issues, it is quite common for many parents to recognize the signs that their children may need orthodontic intervention. The good news is that an early appointment can mean that problems are picked up early and can even be treated early enough to minimize further issues.
