Do Gaps Between Teeth Require Braces?

gaps in kids

If my son or daughter has a gaps between their baby teeth, should I be worried?

Young children have gaps temporarily as their baby teeth gradually fall out and permanent teeth gradually come in. Having gaps in baby teeth doesn’t necessarily mean your son or daughter will have gaps in their permanent teeth. However, it’s important to have your son or daughter examined by a dentist at least twice yearly throughout childhood.

When should I bring my son or daughter in for their first dental exam?

OKC Smiles and the American Dental Association recommend a toddler’s first dental visit occur no later than 12 months.

This is from the ADA:

“It is advantageous for the first visit to occur within six months of the eruption of the first tooth and no later than 12 months of age, and receiving oral health education based on the child’s developmental needs.”

If my child has a gap between the two front permanent teeth, do they need braces?

A gap between the two front permanent teeth is a very common issue. It can be caused by pacifier use or thumbsucking as a baby. If teeth are unusually small, it may create gaps between them as the jaw develops.

The tissue that is located between the inside of the upper lip and the gum above the upper front teeth is called the labial frenum. If the labial frenum is especially large, it can create a gap between the top middle teeth.

A gap can be closed with braces or cosmetic dentistry. It depends on the cause of the gap, the size of the gap, and whether there are bite problems.

If my child has a gap between their two top middle teeth, will it eventually close up?

In a child, the gap between the two top middle teeth may close up. Or it might get larger. Schedule an exam and consultation at OKC Smiles. We look forward to meeting you and your child.

Contact OKC Smiles:

405-634-7303

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

13900 S Western Ave, Suite 300
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
73170

 

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