Braces are a significant investment, but many people consider the results worth the money. Not only do straight, beautiful teeth raise self-esteem, but they also set the stage for a lifetime of better health, as misaligned teeth can cause headaches, jaw pain, and increased tooth wear.

When your child reaches adolescence, though, how do you know if they will need braces or not? At Kapolei Keiki Dental on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, dentists offer orthodontics and Invisalign®, so you can achieve a perfect smile in a way that fits your lifestyle.

5 Signs Your Child May Need Braces

1. Large or Irregular Jaw

Many orthodontic problems are genetic. Did you ever have jaw problems? If so, your child may have them too. If your child has a large jaw or experiences shifting of the jaw, they may benefit from orthodontic correction.

2. Crowded Teeth

When there is not enough room in the jaw for teeth to grow, they become crowded or crooked. Conversely, some people may experience gaps between their teeth. These spacing problems can also be genetic.

3. Overbite or Underbite

An overbite or underbite can be corrected with the use of rubber bands, which attach to the upper and lower braces, bringing the jaw forward or backward into position. 

4. Overlapping Teeth

When teeth cross or overlap, this can be a form of crowding. People with protruding teeth may not be confident about showing their smile, but it’s a problem easily corrected with braces.

5. Teeth are Out of Proportion with the Face

If teeth grow in large, or if your family tends to inherit large teeth, your child may need braces. Large teeth can crowd the jaw more easily, causing problems that are best corrected early.

Once your child has lost their baby teeth, ask their dentist if braces might be beneficial to them. They’ll correct any jaw and bite concerns and give your child a perfect smile they can carry proudly through life. For orthodontics and children’s dentistry in Kapolei, Hawaii, call Kapolei Keiki Dental at (808) 944-1020.