How Would I Know If My Child Is Going to Need Braces?
Posted on 6/15/2024 by Brandon Cooley
Kids who need braces are not in the minority because between half to two-thirds of all children will need braces on their way to adulthood. As a parent, you will need to prepare for the chance that you are going to be paying for braces and visiting an orthodontist. Here are some clues to help you determine if your child may need braces as they get older.
Heredity
One thing that our dentist can tell you is that if any parents or grandparents needed braces during their teenage years, the child will likely need braces as well. This is especially true for children who have a small mouth like their mom but with the large teeth of their dad or for parents who had crooked or crowded teeth as children that were corrected with braces.
Sucking on a Thumb or Pacifier
If your child gave up their thumbs or pacifiers before their first birthday, the chances they will need braces are much smaller than children who continued to use pacifiers or thumbs until they were school-age. That is because when children continue to suck their thumbs or pacifiers after they have teeth, their teeth will shift around to make room for the thumb. Your child may have malocclusions or issues with their bite pattern, such as teeth that do not meet when they close their mouth.
Crowded Teeth
Many children can suffer from too many teeth in a mouth that is too small. You may notice that their teeth are crowded close together. In some children, their teeth are so crowded they are not able to brush and floss their teeth correctly. In fact, if the teeth are crowded enough, the permanent teeth may come in behind each other, which only leads to more misaligned teeth.
Dental Recommendations
If you have concerns that your child may need braces, one of the best things you can do is talk to our dentist. The dentist can examine the bite pattern, X-rays, and tooth locations and offer you advice on whether braces are necessary. Why not give our office a call today so we can make your child an appointment to see our dentist?
Kids who need braces are not in the minority because between half to two-thirds of all children will need braces on their way to adulthood. As a parent, you will need to prepare for the chance that you are going to be paying for braces and visiting an orthodontist. Here are some clues to help you determine if your child may need braces as they get older. 
