Promoting dental health and correcting dental alignment is possible by using orthodontic braces. Correcting the position of the teeth, making sure the alignment is proper, correcting under bite or overbite are some of the dental issues that can be set right using braces.

Braces are dental correction devices that have been used for a very long time. Metal braces are traditional and are still used. There are also other types like the clear or invisible braces that slowly apply pressure to the teeth to bring them to the desired position. Some dentists suggest wearing retainers after them using braces to maintain the teeth in the correct position even after removing braces.

Braces are usually worn by children but now adults are also seen using braces to straighten their teeth. Dentists recommend braces when they notice certain sure signs that teeth are moving out from their desired position. Usually it is between the ages 8 to 14 that braces are worn for the first time. This is the time when the permanent teeth start making their appearances and teeth alignment goes into the stable position.

Given below are signs that point to the need for braces.

Time of losing baby teeth

Baby teeth are usually lost from the age of 6 and by 12 they would have lost all the baby teeth. This is the usual pattern for the loss of baby teeth. But in some children, baby teeth are lost early and the permanent ones do not make their appearance. When this happens, the remaining teeth will slowly move to the vacant position. In some other cases, children do not lose their baby teeth at the correct expected time. By then the permanent teeth will have appeared. So now there are ‘too many’ teeth in the mouth. This will affect their position of the teeth as they have to adjust with the available space in the mouth. This kind of loss of baby teeth will also affect their speech development.

Difficulty while chewing

This happens when there is overcrowding of teeth. There are too many teeth and the child will find it difficult while chewing or biting. There is also the issue with an overbite or under bite. When the bite is proper the upper and the lower jaw come together without any overlapping. But sometimes, the upper teeth fit over the lower teeth or the lower jaw overlaps the upper – these conditions are called an overbite and under bite respectively. The dental concern with a difference in the upper and lower jaws is called malocclusion. Because of this condition, children will feel pain while consuming food. When both the jaws are not aligned properly then the pressure is felt in the jaws and teeth rather than in the food and pain results from the force.

Dental crowding

Children sometimes are seen to have small mouths and too many teeth. The teeth are pressed against each other and try to occupy the available space. This issue is also seen in those with malocclusion. There are different types of overcrowding depending on how severe it is. The issue of overcrowding teeth can be corrected using braces. This will need extraction of the extra tooth. When the teeth are larger than the jaw, then they tend to twist and overlap the neighbouring teeth. Some have smaller jaws when they are born – both these are because of genetics. This crowding of teeth can also happen if teeth do not fall out at the correct time. All the teeth retain their position in the mouth and push against each other. Decay and cavities can result due to this condition and also loss of oral health.

Jaw cracking

Jaw popping or cracking is the sound that jaws make when they move. This is accompanied by pain and discomfort along with difficulty in moving the jaws. When there is an issue in the joint that connects the jaw bone to the skull then you may see jaw cracking. A facial injury is usually the cause. But some with crooked bite dental concern also have jaw popping. Along with the pain, the person will have difficulty in moving the jaws, chewing and even breathing issues. Dentists have also found out that if there is a case of infection in the mouth, it can also sometimes contribute to jaw cracking. Dentists recommend braces as one of the most effective ways to treat this as this is caused by misalignment. The bite is corrected and the pain associated with moving the jaws is also treated.

Cheek biting

This symptom is seen in many children. This does not refer to the accidental cheek biting which many do. In some children, cheek biting happens more frequently and indicates problems with the jaw position or crossbite issues. The alignment of the jaws or the teeth is not proper and this results in the child biting their cheeks. This can result in bruising of cheeks and sores can also be seen on the inside of the cheeks. With proper alignment devices this issue can be corrected.

Routine check-ups right from the time the first teeth erupt are beneficial. But if that is not possible, then parents should take care of the symptoms that are seen in children concerning their oral health. Paying close attention to how the teeth are developing, are they erupting at the correct time, is there a delay or overlapping of the teeth should all be monitored closely. They all point to possible dental concerns that can come up later.

Routine dental examinations will help get a heads up on potential dental problems. Most of the dental complications can be set right if they are detected early. The best solution is the one that is obtained at the earliest. Following good oral hygiene practices and taking care of food consumption will help maintain good oral health in children.