How do you know if a visit to an orthodontist may be the smart solution to fix a crooked smile or even address chronic headaches? Whether you are concerned about your child or yourself, these five common indicators are the top reasons to schedule an appointment with Richmond Virginia Orthodontics.
- Crowding or Large Gaps in A Smile
Did the adult front teeth come in with a big space between them? Perhaps you can see how they crowd out the other teeth in the row. Seeking treatment while a mouth is still developing allows for a better result using less invasive procedures.
- Struggling to Speak without Improvement
Yes, every pre-schooler is still learning to pronounce the letter “S” and other phonetic sounds. You don’t expect instant perfection as their vocabulary grows. However, if they are still having trouble by second grade, they may have a misaligned jaw that makes it hard to form the right sounds. Treatment can help your child look toward a more successful future.
- Complaining About Jaw Pain, Headaches, or Biting the Tongue
An overbite, underbite, or misaligned jaw can cause muscular aches as your child struggles to chew, speak, or even find a comfortable position for sleep. If your kid is suffering from persistent pain and your doctor has not diagnosed them with allergies or an infection, a visit to your orthodontist may shine a light on the solution.
- Holding Their Jaw to the Side or Grinding Teeth
Is it just a quirk? Have you noticed that your child often pushes their mouth to the side while focusing on a task? Maybe they grind their teeth during nap time. Both can be early indications of a developing problem with their jaw or erupting adult teeth. Consulting with a professional can stop the problem from becoming worse and allow for a healthier future.
- Early or Delayed Loss of Baby Teeth
Most children’s bodies are programmed to push a new adult tooth into place as soon as the baby one falls out. If your kid loses their front teeth early, like age 4 or 5, the adult tooth may not be ready to take its spot. A visit to the orthodontist during early tooth loss can help to keep the rest of the teeth in proper alignment while the body catches up.
Similar challenges may be faced when a baby tooth fails to fall out before the permanent one pushes its way into the mouth. Better yet, when identified early, both types of problems can be addressed with minimal discomfort.
Contact Us for a Visit with an Orthodontist Near You Today
Richmond Virginia Orthodontics makes it easy to fit a consultation into your calendar with two offices in Midlothian and Henrico with quick connections on and off the highway. Give us a click or call and take the first step toward a healthier smile today.
