As your child grows, there are many health factors to focus on and address in order to ensure a high quality of life, and teeth are no exception. If certain dental problems are left unchecked, you may end up with expensive orthodontist bills to deal with as your child grows into a teen or adult. Orthodontic issues can also result in lower self esteem for your child. Here are three signs that it's time to take your little one to the orthodontist:

Growing Teeth Are Starting to Turn

As your child gets older and their adult teeth start to grow in, they should grow straight aside one another instead of twisting or turning against each other. If you notice that your child's teeth are starting to turn as they grow in, they may have an overcrowding problems that braces or other treatments could correct before becoming too serious. If left untreated, your child may end up with a mouth full of crooked teeth that affects their self confidence and their overall quality of life. So, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist at the first sign of overcrowding.

It Looks Like Teeth Are Missing

If it looks like your child is still missing teeth even though all of their adult teeth have grown in, there is a chance that they are actually missing a tooth or two, or that their adult teeth simply aren't taking up as much space as they should. Either way, abnormal spacing between the teeth can typically be corrected with the help of an orthodontist. Working with an orthodontist early on will help you determine whether to wait awhile and see if the spacing decreases, or to start treatment right away.

They've Developed an Improper Bite 

Another sign that your child should see an orthodontist is if they develop an odd bite as they age and their teeth grow. You may notice:

• An Overbite or Underbite—Your child's upper teeth extend too far past their lower teeth, or their lower teeth sit too far ahead of their upper teeth.
• A Misplaced Midline—The middle of your child's lower and upper teeth do not line up properly.
• A Crossbite—Your child's dental arches show signs of lateral misalignment.

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take your child in to an experienced orthodontist to have them diagnosed and treated if necessary. The sooner these problems are caught and addressed, the easier it should be to treat them. Contact clinics such as Chikes Orthodontics to learn more.