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As a parent, you want to do everything you can to support your child’s health—including their oral health. But while brushing and flossing are daily habits, recognizing when orthodontic treatment is needed isn’t always as obvious.
Many alignment issues start developing early in childhood, often before all the adult teeth have even come in. That’s why it’s helpful to know the warning signs. Spotting these early can make a big difference in how simple and effective treatment will be down the line.
So, how can you tell if your child might need braces? Here are five common signs to look out for.
1. Crowded or Crooked Teeth
One of the most visible signs your child may need braces is crowded, overlapping, or crooked teeth. This happens when there isn’t enough room in the jaw for teeth to grow in properly. Crowding can affect both appearance and function—making it harder to brush and floss effectively, which raises the risk for cavities and gum problems.
Crooked teeth may also impact self-esteem as your child becomes more aware of their smile. Even if the alignment seems minor, it can worsen over time as adult teeth continue to erupt. That’s why early evaluation is key.
Keep an eye out for:
- Teeth that twist or rotate as they come in
- Overlapping front teeth
- Difficulty cleaning between teeth due to tight spacing
2. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
Most children begin losing their baby teeth around age 6, and the process usually wraps up by age 12 or 13. If your child starts losing baby teeth very early—or is still holding onto them well past the typical timeline—it may signal that something unusual is happening with their dental development.
Losing baby teeth too soon can cause permanent teeth to drift or erupt in the wrong position. On the other hand, if baby teeth stick around too long, they might block adult teeth from coming in at all, leading to misalignment or impaction.
Things to watch for:
- Missing baby teeth before age 5
- No baby teeth lost by age 7 or 8
- Adult teeth coming in behind or around baby teeth
3. Issues with Bite Alignment
Your child’s “bite” refers to how the upper and lower teeth come together. A misaligned bite—whether it’s an overbite, underbite, or crossbite—can affect chewing, speaking, jaw development, and facial balance. Left untreated, bite problems can also lead to jaw pain, excessive tooth wear, and long-term oral health issues.
Types of bite problems include:
- Overbite — When the top front teeth extend significantly over the bottom teeth
- Underbite — When the bottom teeth protrude past the upper teeth
- Crossbite — When some upper teeth sit behind lower teeth rather than in front
- Open bite — When the front teeth don’t touch even when the mouth is closed
If you notice your child’s teeth don’t align properly when their mouth is closed, or if their jaws seem to shift to one side, it’s a good idea to schedule an orthodontic evaluation.
4. Difficulty Chewing, Biting, or Speaking
Orthodontic problems don’t just affect appearance—they can also interfere with how your child eats and talks. If your child frequently bites their cheeks, struggles to chew food evenly, or has difficulty forming certain sounds, misaligned teeth or jaw positioning may be to blame.
Sometimes these issues are subtle, but they can affect your child’s nutrition, confidence, and overall development. You may notice:
- Lisping or unclear speech
- Complaints of discomfort while chewing
- Avoiding hard or chewy foods
- Biting the tongue or cheeks often
Even if your child doesn’t complain, it’s worth checking in with their dentist or orthodontist if you see these patterns.
5. Mouth Breathing or Jaw Discomfort
Mouth breathing isn’t just a habit—it can be a sign of an underlying orthodontic or airway issue. Children who frequently breathe through their mouths, especially while sleeping, may have a narrow palate or jaw misalignment that affects their airway and facial development.
Additionally, persistent jaw pain, popping, or shifting may signal that the bite is off or that the jaw isn’t developing symmetrically. These issues are best addressed early to prevent complications later in life.
Look for signs like:
- Resting with the mouth open
- Snoring or restless sleep
- Jaw clicking, popping, or pain
- Facial asymmetry or jaw shifting to one side
Why Early Detection Matters
Orthodontic problems are often easier and less invasive to treat when caught early. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7—even if they still have baby teeth. At this age, an orthodontist can assess how the jaw and teeth are developing and identify any red flags.
In some cases, early intervention can:
- Create space for permanent teeth to come in properly
- Guide jaw growth for better bite alignment
- Reduce the need for extractions or surgery later
- Make future treatment shorter and more effective
Even if your child doesn’t need braces right away, getting a professional opinion early can give you peace of mind—and a clear path forward.
Think Your Child May Need Braces? Here’s What to Do Next
If your child shows any of the signs above—or if you’re simply unsure—it’s a great time to schedule an orthodontic evaluation.
At Kids Care Dental and Orthodontics in Plantation, FL, we specialize in early orthodontic care for growing smiles. Our experienced team will assess your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw development and let you know if treatment is needed now or in the future. We make the process stress-free, informative, and tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Book a free consultation today and get answers from a trusted local expert in children’s orthodontic care.