As a parent, you want the best for your child—including a healthy, confident smile. But how do you know if it’s time for braces? Some signs, like crooked teeth, are easy to spot, but others might be more subtle. At Blanchard Orthodontics, we help families in Tyler and Jacksonville, TX, navigate the world of pediatric orthodontics and make the best choices for their child’s smile.
If you’re wondering whether your pre-teen or teen may need braces, here are five key signs to watch for!
1. Crowded or Crooked Teeth
If your teen’s teeth overlap, twist, or seem crammed together, it’s a sign of crowding. Not only can this affect their smile’s appearance, but crowded teeth can make brushing and flossing much harder, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
The good news? Braces for kids and teens can help straighten their teeth, making it easier for them to maintain good oral hygiene. At Blanchard Orthodontics, we customize treatment plans for teens in Tyler and Jacksonville, TX, to ensure they achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime!
2. Gaps Between Teeth
While a little space between teeth is normal, larger gaps can lead to issues with chewing, speech, and bite alignment. Some gaps may close naturally over time, but others may require orthodontic treatment to ensure a proper bite and an even, confident smile.
If your teen has noticeable spaces between their teeth, braces or clear aligners can help close the gaps and create a more balanced smile. Whether you're searching for braces near me in Jacksonville or Tyler, we’re here to guide you through the process!
3. Bite Issues (Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite, or Open Bite)
Your teen’s bite alignment plays a big role in their oral health and overall comfort. If the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly, it can lead to difficulty chewing, jaw pain, and even speech issues. Here are some common bite problems:
- Overbite: Upper front teeth stick out too far over the lower teeth.
- Underbite: Lower teeth extend past the upper teeth.
- Crossbite: Some upper teeth sit behind lower teeth when biting down.
- Open bite: The upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed.
Does any of this sound familiar? If so, it may be time to visit Blanchard Orthodontics in Jacksonville or Tyler, TX, for an evaluation. The sooner we can identify and correct bite problems, the easier treatment can be!
4. Jaw Pain or Clicking Sounds
If your pre-teen or teen often complains of jaw pain, headaches, or hears a clicking sound when they chew, their bite alignment may be to blame. When the teeth and jaws aren’t in the right position, it can cause unnecessary strain on the jaw muscles and joints.
Ignoring these issues can lead to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems, which can cause chronic pain over time. Our team at Blanchard Orthodontics in Tyler and Jacksonville is here to help relieve discomfort and get their smile (and bite) back on track.
5. Difficulty Chewing or Speaking
Does your teen struggle to bite into food or have trouble pronouncing certain words? This could be due to misaligned teeth or jaw positioning. If eating, chewing, or speaking feels difficult, orthodontic treatment can help improve their oral function, speech, and overall comfort.
We love seeing the confidence boost our patients get when they no longer have to worry about their bite or speech. Our goal at Blanchard Orthodontics is to make sure every teen in Jacksonville and Tyler, TX, feels great about their smile!
Next Steps: Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation in Jacksonville or Tyler, TX
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your pre-teen or teenager, the best step is to schedule an orthodontic consultation. At Blanchard Orthodontics, we’ll take a close look at their teeth and bite, answer your questions, and create a customized plan to help them achieve a healthy, confident smile.
Whether you’re looking for braces for kids, braces near me, or pediatric orthodontics in Jacksonville or Tyler, TX, we’re here to help!
📞 Call us today to schedule a consultation in Jacksonville or Tyler, TX! Let’s get started on a smile they’ll love for life!
