There are many reasons a child may need braces. Tooth and jaw problems can be caused by losing baby teeth too soon or too late, habits like thumb sucking, accidents, overcrowding, or they can simply be inherited. Dr. Lían O’Dwyer, specialist orthodontist, outlines 5 signs your child may need braces, and how to get help if you think they do.
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Signs Your Child May Need Braces
#1. Crowding
Crowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in the jaw to accommodate all the adult teeth. It can show up as teeth erupting in the wrong position — such as behind other teeth — or teeth failing to come through at the expected time.
Crowding can make it harder to keep teeth clean, since it becomes more difficult to reach properly between them. Correcting crowded teeth doesn’t just improve the appearance of your child’s smile — it can also make their teeth easier to keep clean and healthy.
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#2. Irregular, Delayed or Early Loss of Baby Teeth
When a baby tooth falls out prematurely, or is lost early to decay, neighbouring teeth can tilt into the empty space, which may delay the eruption of the adult tooth underneath.
Your family dentist will monitor the development of your child’s teeth and can spot if there’s a deviation from the normal sequence of tooth eruption.
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#3. Prominent Upper Teeth
An overjet refers to the horizontal overlap between the upper and lower front teeth, and it’s one of the most common signs your child may need braces.
An increased overjet is usually noticeable when the upper front teeth appear to “stick out” further than the bottom teeth. This can sometimes be linked to habits like prolonged thumb sucking.
In some cases, an overjet makes it difficult for a child to fully close their lips, which can put the front teeth at greater risk of injury in a fall or during sport.
#4. Underbite
An underbite is when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth, and it can sometimes be associated with a prominent-looking lower jaw.
It can occasionally cause difficulty with chewing or certain speech sounds, and may become more noticeable as a child continues to grow.
#5. Crossbite
A crossbite is an abnormal, “back to front” relationship between the upper and lower teeth. It can affect the back teeth, the front teeth, or both, and is sometimes associated with a shift in jaw position between the first point of contact and the teeth fully biting together.
Left untreated, this kind of shift can lead to increased tooth wear, gum recession and uneven jaw growth over time.
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How to Get Help if You Think Your Child Needs Braces
The Orthodontic Society of Ireland recommends bringing your child for an orthodontic assessment at around 7 or 8 years of age. Some children may benefit from an evaluation as young as 5 or 6, while others can wait until the baby teeth have fallen out and the permanent teeth are coming through, around 11 or 12.
In some cases, interceptive orthodontic treatment can begin from age 7 or 8, to correct or improve a bite issue or misalignment while the teeth are still developing. This type of early treatment typically lasts from three months to a year and targets a specific problem during tooth development.
A phase of interceptive treatment may reduce the need for future treatment, or simplify a later course of braces — but it doesn’t guarantee that further orthodontic treatment won’t be needed once all the permanent teeth have come through.
Your family dentist will help you work out the best time for an evaluation. Starting the process early doesn’t mean your child will get braces straight away — it simply means an orthodontist can assess the situation and decide the right time to begin treatment, if any is needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The Orthodontic Society of Ireland recommends an assessment at around 7 or 8 years of age, though some children may benefit from an earlier check at 5 or 6, and others can wait until their permanent teeth are coming through at 11 or 12. Your family dentist can help you decide what’s right for your child.
Does an early orthodontic assessment mean my child will need braces right away?
No. An early assessment simply allows an orthodontist to monitor how your child’s teeth and jaw are developing and decide the best time to start treatment, if treatment turns out to be needed at all.
Can early treatment mean my child avoids braces later on?
A phase of interceptive treatment in the early years can sometimes reduce the need for future treatment or make later treatment simpler. However, it doesn’t guarantee that further orthodontic work won’t be needed once all the permanent teeth have erupted.
What are the most common signs a child may need braces?
The most common signs include crowded teeth, prominent upper front teeth (an overjet), an underbite, a crossbite, and teeth affected by early or irregular loss of baby teeth.
Related Articles
- 5 Practical Tips for a Successful First Visit to the Dentist
- 5 Top Tips For Losing Baby Teeth
- 4 Myths About Dental Care for Kids
- 7 Tooth Fairy Ideas Guaranteed to Sprinkle a Little Magic
If you found this useful, take a browse through our other family health and dental articles for more practical guidance to keep in your back pocket.
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