Early Signs Your Child Needs Braces

Early Signs Your Child Needs Braces

Many parents are surprised to learn that early signs your child needs braces can appear as early as age 6 or 7, even before all permanent teeth come in.

Orthodontic issues often begin quietly. When left untreated, they can lead to crowding, jaw pain, gum disease, or even tooth decay later on. Catching problems early usually means simpler and shorter treatment.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This doesn’t always mean braces right away — sometimes it simply means monitoring growth and guiding the jaw as your child develops.

Below are the most common signs your child may need braces and what parents should watch for.

1. Baby Teeth That Fall Out Too Early (or Too Late)

Baby teeth help guide permanent teeth into place. When they fall out too early or stay too long, adult teeth may come in crooked or crowded.

This can cause:

• Misaligned teeth

• Blocked permanent teeth

• Bite problems

• Shifting of nearby teeth
  

If your child’s tooth loss seems very early or very delayed, an orthodontic check is recommended.

2. Crowding or Teeth That Overlap

Crowding is one of the clearest early signs you need braces.

You may notice:

• Teeth overlapping or twisting

• Adult teeth erupting behind baby teeth

• Little space between teeth
  

Crowding rarely fixes itself. As more permanent teeth come in, the problem often gets worse without treatment.

3. Bite Problems You Can See (Even If They Don’t Hurt)

Even if your child isn’t in pain, visible bite issues matter.

Common bite concerns include:

• Overbite – top teeth cover lower teeth too much

• Underbite – lower jaw sits forward

• Crossbite – teeth bite inward instead of outward

• Open bite – front teeth don’t touch
  

When left untreated, these issues can affect chewing, speech, jaw growth, and facial balance.

4. Mouth Breathing or Snoring at Night

Mouth breathing is often linked to orthodontic problems.

Children who breathe through their mouth may develop:

• Narrow arches

• Crowding

• High palate

• Jaw alignment issues
  

Early orthodontic care may help improve airflow and guide healthy facial development.

5. Thumb Sucking or Prolonged Pacifier Use

Habits that continue past age 3–4 can affect how the jaw and teeth grow.

This may lead to:

• Open bite

• Overbite

• Narrow upper jaw

• Speech concerns
  

An early evaluation helps prevent long-term changes..

6. Difficulty Chewing or Biting Into Food

If your child avoids chewing certain foods, bites their cheeks often, or shifts their jaw, it may signal a bite issue or jaw imbalance.

Jaw pain in children should never be ignored.

7. Teeth That Come In Too High or Too Far Back

Some permanent teeth erupt too high, too far back, or rotated.

This commonly affects:

• Canines

• Premolars

• Lateral incisors
  

Early orthodontic guidance can help teeth move into proper position naturally.uidance can help them settle into the right position before they become fully stuck.

8. Your Child Hides Their Smile or Feels Self-Conscious

A child hiding their smile or avoiding photos may already feel affected emotionally.

Orthodontic care isn’t just about straight teeth — it’s about protecting your child’s smile and confidence.

9. Jaw Shifting, Clicking, or Uneven Bite

If your child’s jaw shifts when closing or makes popping sounds, it may indicate a crossbite or imbalance.

When treated early, jaw growth can often be guided without surgery later.

Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Can Make a Huge Difference

Early treatment helps:

• Create space for permanent teeth

• Reduce crowding

• Prevent gum disease and tooth decay

• Shorten future braces time

• Avoid extractions later
  

Phase 1 orthodontics doesn’t always mean traditional braces — it may simply guide growth at the right time.

How Sola Kids Dental Helps Parents Know When It’s Time

Our orthodontic team examines:

• Jaw alignment

• Growth patterns

• Airway and breathing

• Spacing and crowding

• Bite function

• Thumb sucking habits

• Eruption patterns
  

We make early orthodontic evaluations comfortable and stress-free. You’ll always know what’s urgent, what can wait, and what to monitor as your child grows.

FAQs: Early Signs Your Child May Need Braces

1. What age should my child get their first orthodontic evaluation?

Age 7 is the recommended age, even if your child still has baby teeth.

2. Does early orthodontic treatment always mean braces?

No. Sometimes the best plan is to monitor growth or correct small issues now.

3. Can early treatment prevent braces later?

In some cases, yes — but most often, it simply makes future treatment shorter and easier.

4. Are early orthodontic problems hereditary?

Crowding, jaw alignment issues, and bite problems often run in families.

5. How do I know if my child has a bite problem?

Look for shifting jaws, chewing difficulties, or teeth that don’t come together evenly.

6. Does insurance cover early orthodontics?

Coverage varies. Some cases qualify under medical necessity. We help parents check benefits before treatment.

7. My child isn’t complaining — could there still be an issue?

Yes. Many orthodontic issues don’t cause pain at first but still affect long-term growth.

Final Thoughts

Early orthodontic evaluations aren’t about rushing your child into braces — they’re about understanding how their teeth and jaws are developing and catching small issues before they grow into major ones.

If you’ve noticed any of the signs listed above, or if your child is approaching age 7, an evaluation can give you clarity and peace of mind.

Schedule an Orthodontic Evaluation

Have questions? Want us to take a look?

📞 Call: (323) 325-5641 🌐 Book online: https://www.solakidsdental.com/

Your child’s future smile grows with them — let's guide it in the right direction.