Wondering whether your child’s teeth are developing as they should? You’re not alone. Many parents notice something about their child’s smile — crowded teeth, a noticeable overbite, or teeth that don’t quite meet — and aren’t sure whether it’s normal or something worth getting checked.
Specialist orthodontist Dr. Lían O’Dwyer shares the five most common signs that a child may benefit from orthodontic treatment, and what to expect if you decide to get an assessment.
In this article:
- Crowding
- Irregular, delayed or early loss of baby teeth
- Prominent upper teeth (overjet)
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- How to get help if you think your child needs braces
- FAQs
Signs Your Child May Need Braces
1. Crowding
Crowding happens when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all the adult teeth to come through properly. It can show up as teeth erupting behind other teeth, at an angle, or simply failing to come through when expected.
Crowded teeth are also harder to clean properly, since it’s difficult to reach between them with a toothbrush or floss. Straightening crowded teeth doesn’t just improve the smile — it makes day-to-day oral hygiene easier too.
Related: 5 Practical Tips for a Successful First Visit to the Dentist
2. Irregular, Delayed or Early Loss of Baby Teeth
If a baby tooth is lost early — through decay or an accident, for example — neighbouring teeth can shift into the gap, which sometimes delays the adult tooth coming through underneath.
Your family dentist will keep an eye on the sequence in which your child’s teeth come through, and will flag it if something looks off-track.
Related: 5 Top Tips For Losing Baby Teeth
3. Prominent Upper Teeth (Overjet)
An overjet describes the horizontal gap between the upper and lower front teeth, and it’s one of the most common reasons parents seek an orthodontic opinion.
You’ll usually notice it as the top front teeth appearing to stick out further than the bottom ones. It’s sometimes linked to habits like prolonged thumb sucking. In some cases, a larger overjet means a child can’t fully close their lips over their teeth, which can leave the front teeth more exposed to injury during falls or sport.
4. Underbite
An underbite is when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when biting down. It can come with a more prominent-looking lower jaw, and may cause some difficulty with chewing or certain speech sounds. Left unaddressed, it can become more pronounced as a child continues to grow.
5. Crossbite
A crossbite is when the upper and lower teeth don’t line up the way they should — it can affect the back teeth, the front teeth, or both, and often involves a slight shift in how the jaw closes.
Left untreated, a crossbite can lead to extra wear on the teeth, gum recession, and uneven jaw growth over time.
Related: 4 Myths About Dental Care for Kids
How to Get Help if You Think Your Child Needs Braces
Most orthodontists recommend a first orthodontic check-up somewhere around age 7 or 8. Some children benefit from an earlier look, around age 5 or 6, while others are fine waiting until the permanent teeth are further along, closer to age 11 or 12.
In certain cases, early “interceptive” treatment can begin around age 7 or 8 to correct a specific bite or alignment issue while the teeth and jaw are still developing. This kind of treatment typically runs from a few months up to a year and is focused on one particular problem rather than a full smile makeover.
It’s worth knowing that an early phase of treatment doesn’t always mean braces are needed straight away — and it doesn’t guarantee that further treatment won’t be needed later, once all the adult teeth are in. It simply gives the orthodontist a clearer picture, earlier, of how things are developing.
Your family dentist is a great first port of call. They’ll monitor your child’s teeth at routine check-ups and can refer you on for an orthodontic assessment if and when it’s appropriate.
Related: 7 Tooth Fairy Ideas Guaranteed to Sprinkle a Little Magic
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child have their first orthodontic check-up?
Many orthodontists suggest an initial assessment around age 7 or 8, though some children are seen a little earlier or later depending on how their teeth are developing. Your family dentist can advise on timing based on what they see at regular check-ups.
Does an early orthodontic assessment mean my child will need braces right away?
Not necessarily. An early check simply allows an orthodontist to see how things are developing and plan the right time to start treatment, if it’s needed at all.
Can thumb sucking cause the need for braces?
Prolonged thumb sucking is one of several habits that can contribute to issues like an increased overjet. If you’re concerned about a habit like this, it’s worth mentioning to your dentist.
What is interceptive orthodontic treatment?
It’s an early, focused phase of treatment — often carried out around age 7 or 8 — aimed at correcting a specific problem, such as a bite issue, while the teeth and jaw are still developing.
Will early treatment mean my child avoids braces later?
It might reduce the complexity of future treatment, but it doesn’t guarantee braces won’t be needed again once all the permanent teeth have come through.
You Might Also Like
- 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
Keep Exploring
Looking for more everyday parenting guidance like this? Browse our full collection of family life articles for practical tips on health, routines and milestones as your child grows.
Don’t Miss a Thing
Want more useful parenting tips like this, straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for ideas, advice, competitions and offers — no spam, just the good stuff.
