As a parent, it is your responsibility to make sure your child receives necessary medical care, which includes dental care. But, that does not mean just because a doctor or dentist recommends something, you are under any obligation to provide it for your child. So, if youf dentist recommends you child get braces to straighten his or her teeth, the decision to do so is ultimately up to you. For this reason, you need to determine if you agree with the dentist's treatment recommendations. 

Really Look at Your Child's Teeth

Are your child's teeth really that crooked? Are the gaps in the teeth really that noticeable? Sometimes minor imperfections are not something that require braces. If a couple of crooked teeth or a gap does not bother you or your child, then you can forget the braces. Or at least wait and see.

Sometimes in children, these small imperfections can resolve on their own. This is more common in preteens, so you can take the time to see how their teeth look in a year or so.

Consider a Second Opinion

You can always go to another orthodontist and get a second opinion. This may make you feel more at ease if you know that more than one dental professional recommends a certain treatment for your child's oral problems.

A second opinion is more important when the child has a functional problem, and not just crooked teeth. Even if your child's teeth look fine, this does not mean that there is not an issue with a misalignment of the upper and lower jaw. 

Some Other Things to Keep in Mind

Some problems that a dentist recommends braces for are easier to fix when treated earlier in life. Oral problems like crossbites and underbites are best treated in childhood, instead of waiting until later in life when the treatment may be more expensive and take longer to fix. 

Sometimes orthodontics are used to increase a child's airway size, which is often obstructed due to craniofacial abnormalities. A child's airway size can be related to obstructive sleep apnea and other problems, such as bed wetting, headache and learning difficulties. This are problems that should be addressed as soon as possible. However, you can still get a second opinion through resources like Dr. Jon Douglas Lesan, DDS, RpH, PA before deciding on treatment. 

While it is important to discuss your child's oral health with his or her dentist, you are not obligated to take the dentist's advice. However, you are obligated to provide your child with the dental care he or she needs to remain healthy. 

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