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Early Signs That Your Child Might Need Orthodontic Care

Your child’s permanent teeth can begin to erupt as early as five years old. Proper oral hygiene is essential, paving the way toward a lifetime with a functional and healthy smile. Yet orthodontic issues are common and can begin at an early age. As your local Burien and West Seattle orthodontist, Peralta Orthodontics wants to help your family spot these problems as soon as possible. Take a look at some typical symptoms and contact our office to learn about your child’s treatment options. 

Tooth Alignment Problems

Issues with proper teeth alignment can begin early in life. These can be pretty apparent, with many of them fitting the classic definitions of common orthodontic conditions:

• Misplaced, protruding or crowded teeth 
• Impacted or blocked-out teeth
• Delayed or premature loss of baby teeth
• Lack of or abnormal alignment of upper and lower dental arches 
• Jaws positioned too far forward or back
• Unbalanced facial features, such as an unusually small or large jaw

Other Symptoms You May Not Have Considered

Of course, orthodontic problems don’t just manifest in the physical appearance of one’s face, teeth or jaws. Behaviors can also point to underlying issues that need correction:

• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Thumb sucking
• Mouth breathing 
• Biting the roof of the mouth or cheek
• Teeth clenching or grinding

Most of these indicate possible alignment, crowding or spacing problems with your child’s teeth or jaws. Others, such as thumb sucking or teeth grinding, are habits that can eventually cause such issues to develop. 

Contact Your Orthodontist in West Seattle

At Peralta Orthodontics, we deliver the highest quality care to patients of all ages in West Seattle, Burien, Renton and the rest of the greater Seattle area. No matter what level of care you need, Dr. Jorge Peralta and the care team are ready to offer solutions. Simply use our online appointment request form or call our Burien office at (206) 244-7800. We look forward to meeting you soon!