How do I know if my child needs orthodontics?

Although it is necessary to go to a pediatric orthodontic clinic to be able to properly diagnose if your child needs orthodontics, we offer you some clues to recognize this need.

1. The maxilla and mandible are too different in size
   This fact is manifested in the facial profile. At the dental level, we must observe that the upper teeth occlude in front of the lower teeth and that there is not too much distance between them.
2. Prolonged use of pacifier or habit of digital sucking
   The repeated use of accessories such as a pacifier or finger sucking can lead to malformation of the teeth and palate. Therefore, we recommend its removal before 2 years of age.
3. Mouth breathing
   When a child has trouble breathing through the nose and breathes most of the time through the mouth, it results in a deepening of the palate and a narrowing of the upper jaw that often requires orthodontic treatment.
4. Cross bite
   The upper teeth are placed on the inside of the lower teeth when closing.
5. Dental crowding
   The ideal is that the teeth are well aligned and with correct contacts for their correct hygiene and function.
6. Difficulties speaking or pronouncing
   There are times when the tongue gets in the way too much and that leads to a lack of naturalness when speaking. In addition to consulting the speech therapist, it is recommended to go to the orthodontist.
7. Openbite
   The upper and lower incisors do not contact. This fact may be due to some habit or a skeletal cause.
8. Premature loss of milk teeth
   It could require the placement of a space maintainer for the correct eruption of the permanent tooth.
9. Late loss of milk teeth
   It may be a sign of missing permanent teeth.

These are the main signs that a child needs braces. The next step is knowing when to start orthodontic treatment. Once we know if our child needs braces, we will have to decide what is the best type of dental appliance for him or her. There are fixed brackets that help us correct bad dental position and orthopedic devices, used to correct bone growth.
The ideal age to start treatment with dental appliances in children varies according to each specific case. The Spanish Society of Orthodontics recommends making a first consultation with the orthodontist at age 6, who will be able to guide us at the appropriate moment and the need or not to carry out the treatment with dental appliances.