UNDATED (KTHV) -- Getting braces is an experience most kids would like to avoid. So how do you know if your child needs them or not?
In this Medical Monday segment, Dr. Andy Vondran talks about when you need to take your kids to see an orthodonist.
Some early signs to see an orthodontist by the age of 7 are early loss of teeth, difficulty in chewing, mouth breathing, thumb sucking after the age of four, crowding or teeth, protruding upper teeth and early detection of problems like cysts.
Dr. Vondran says the best time to start Phase 1 of braces is when the child is between 7 and 9 years of age, or after the permanent front incisors erupt.
The first phase takes about 12-15 months and will encourage good jaw growth, prevent severe crowding and save space. Then most kids will need Phase 2 braces when they are 12-14 years old. The second phase usually lasts 12-18 months.