During your child’s regular checkups with Jenkins & LeBlanc, we continuously monitor the teeth to ensure healthy oral development.

As the permanent teeth come in, typically between the ages of 6-12, your child may develop bite problems, which could result in the need for braces.

No worries, parents, this is common for children!

If necessary, we can prepare the mouth for orthodontics and will work with the orthodontist to create an effective treatment plan.

Why Do Kids Need Braces?

Teeth development differs for each child, and, as teeth erupt, misalignment issues can arise.

Types of Misalignment

The most common teeth misalignment concerns include:

• Overbite: This occurs when the upper teeth greatly extend over the lower ones, which can negatively affect the bite.
• Open bite: The front teeth of both the upper and lower jaw do not overlap, which prevents correct chewing.
• Upper Front Teeth Protrusion: The upper teeth extend forward too much or the lower teeth are not extended enough, which affect both the function and the look of your teeth.
• Crossbite: The lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth, which can lead to a misaligned jaw or changes in tooth color.
• Spacing: Teeth which are missing or spread out too much can affect chewing and eating habits.
• Crowding: If there is not enough room in the mouth, permanent teeth may not erupt. Sometimes tooth removal is necessary.

If an abnormal bite isn’t corrected, it could cause oral health complications:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Difficulty with speech and/or chewing
• Abnormal wear to tooth enamel
• Jaw problems

Braces can address misalignment and bite issues by applying gentle pressure on the teeth to shift them into place.

What Types of Braces are There?

While there are several types of braces available for children, one may be more favorable for your child’s needs. Common types include:

• Metal braces which consist of traditional metal wires and brackets. They can come with the option of colorful elastics to make braces bright and fun.
• Ceramic braces are less noticeable and blend in with your child’s smile because they are clear colored.
• Invisalign treatment consists of a series of strong plastic, removable trays. Invisalign treatment is a good option for those who want to straighten their teeth but don’t want to wear traditional braces.

An evaluation by an orthodontist can help determine which braces, or other orthodontic treatment options, will help your child’s teeth misalignment.

Schedule an Appointment

Worried about whether your child needs braces? The board certified pediatric dentists at Jenkins and LeBlanc can assess your child’s teeth. We’ll work with your orthodontist to develop a treatment plan to ensure your child’s smile is healthy.

Additionally, if your child currently has braces, it’s important to schedule frequent cleanings to prevent plaque buildup and cavities.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our 5 convenient locations!