As your child grows, you may start to wonder whether they'll need braces. Maybe you've noticed their teeth coming in a little crowded, or perhaps their bite doesn't look quite right. These are common concerns for parents, and knowing what to look for—and when to seek an evaluation—can make all the difference in your child's orthodontic journey.
At Pleasanton Children's Dentistry & Braces, we help families navigate these questions every day. Understanding the signs that your child may need orthodontic treatment and knowing the ideal timing for intervention can help set your child up for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.
The Right Age for an Orthodontic Evaluation
You might be surprised to learn that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This doesn't mean your child will necessarily get braces at that age—in fact, most children don't. However, an early evaluation allows the orthodontist to identify potential issues while your child is still growing and determine the best time to begin treatment if needed.
By age 7, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which gives the orthodontist valuable information about how the bite is developing. Some problems are easier to correct when addressed early, while others are best treated once more permanent teeth have come in.
At Pleasanton Children's Dentistry & Braces, our team monitors your child's dental development at every visit and will recommend an orthodontic consultation when the time is right.
Signs Your Child May Need Braces
While every child develops differently, certain signs can indicate that orthodontic treatment may be beneficial. Keep an eye out for these common indicators:
Crowded or Overlapping Teeth
If your child's teeth appear crowded, crooked, or overlapping, it may be a sign that their jaw doesn't have enough space to accommodate all of their teeth. Crowding can make proper brushing and flossing difficult, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Orthodontic treatment can create the space needed for teeth to align properly.
Gaps Between Teeth
While small gaps between baby teeth are normal and even desirable (they leave room for larger permanent teeth), excessive spacing or gaps between permanent teeth may require treatment. Gaps can affect your child's bite and may cause self-consciousness about their appearance.
Bite Problems
A healthy bite means that the upper and lower teeth fit together properly when the mouth is closed. Various bite issues can indicate the need for orthodontic intervention:
- Overbite: The upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth.
- Underbite: The lower teeth extend past the upper teeth when biting down.
- Crossbite: Some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside when the mouth is closed.
- Open Bite: The upper and lower teeth don't meet when the mouth is closed, leaving a gap.
Difficulty Chewing or Biting
If your child frequently bites their cheek, has trouble chewing food properly, or complains that their teeth don't come together right, it could indicate a bite problem that orthodontic treatment can correct.
Mouth Breathing
Children who consistently breathe through their mouth rather than their nose may develop orthodontic issues. Chronic mouth breathing can affect the development of the jaw and facial structures and is worth mentioning to your child's dentist.
Thumb Sucking or Prolonged Pacifier Use
While thumb sucking and pacifier use are normal in infants and toddlers, these habits can affect dental development if they continue past age 4 or 5. Prolonged sucking habits can push teeth out of alignment and affect the shape of the palate.
Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
Baby teeth serve as placeholders for permanent teeth. If baby teeth are lost too early (due to decay or injury) or too late (they don't fall out on schedule), it can affect how permanent teeth come in. Space maintainers or orthodontic treatment may be needed to guide proper tooth eruption.
Speech Difficulties
Certain speech problems, like lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, can sometimes be related to tooth alignment or bite issues. If your child is experiencing speech difficulties, it's worth having their teeth and bite evaluated.
Jaw Pain or Clicking
If your child complains of jaw pain, or you notice their jaw clicking or popping when they open and close their mouth, it could be related to bite alignment. An orthodontic evaluation can help determine if treatment would address these symptoms.
Early Treatment vs. Waiting
Not every child who shows signs of orthodontic issues needs immediate treatment. In many cases, your orthodontist may recommend monitoring your child's development and waiting until more permanent teeth have come in before starting treatment.
However, some situations benefit from early intervention—sometimes called Phase 1 treatment or interceptive orthodontics. Early treatment may be recommended to guide jaw growth and create space for permanent teeth, correct harmful habits like thumb sucking, reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth, improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together, and simplify or shorten later treatment.
Common early treatments include palate expanders to widen a narrow upper jaw, space maintainers to hold space for permanent teeth, partial braces to address specific alignment issues, and habit-breaking appliances for thumb sucking.
When early treatment is complete, most children go through a resting period before beginning Phase 2 treatment (comprehensive braces or aligners) once their permanent teeth have come in.
Types of Orthodontic Treatment for Kids
If your child does need braces, they'll have more options than ever before. At Pleasanton Children's Dentistry & Braces, we offer several orthodontic solutions:
- Metal Braces: Traditional metal braces remain the most common and effective option. Today's metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than those of previous generations. Kids can personalize their look with colored bands.
- Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces work just like metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in with the teeth—a popular choice for those who want a less noticeable option.
- Clear Aligners: For some older children and teens with mild to moderate alignment issues, clear aligner therapy may be an option. These removable trays gradually shift teeth into place and are nearly invisible when worn.
Your orthodontist will recommend the best option based on your child's specific needs, age, and lifestyle.
What to Expect During Treatment
Orthodontic treatment typically takes anywhere from 12 months to 3 years, depending on the complexity of the case. During treatment, your child will visit the orthodontist regularly for adjustments and progress checks. While there may be some discomfort after adjustments, most children adapt quickly.
After active treatment is complete, your child will wear a retainer to maintain their new smile. Retainer wear is essential for preventing teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
The Lifelong Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Investing in orthodontic treatment for your child offers benefits that extend far beyond a beautiful smile:
- Improved Oral Health: Straight, properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease throughout life.
- Better Function: A properly aligned bite makes chewing more efficient and reduces strain on the jaw.
- Reduced Wear: Teeth that fit together correctly experience less uneven wear over time.
- Increased Confidence: A smile your child feels proud of can boost self-esteem during the formative years and beyond.
Your Partners in Your Child's Smile
At Pleasanton Children's Dentistry & Braces, we understand that deciding whether and when to pursue orthodontic treatment is a big decision. Our experienced team, including Dr. Jennifer Hole, Dr. Gladys Carrasco, Dr. Joanna Ayala, and orthodontist Dr. Kika Araujo, is here to guide you every step of the way.
We take the time to evaluate each child's unique situation, explain all available options, and develop a treatment plan that fits your family's needs and goals. Our state-of-the-art facility provides a comfortable, child-friendly environment where kids of all ages feel welcome.
Schedule an Orthodontic Evaluation
If you've noticed any signs that your child may benefit from orthodontic treatment—or if your child is approaching age 7 and hasn't had an orthodontic evaluation yet—we invite you to schedule a consultation at Pleasanton Children's Dentistry & Braces.
Early evaluation gives us the opportunity to identify potential issues and plan for the best possible outcome. Whether your child needs treatment now, later, or not at all, we'll provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your family.
Located in central Pleasanton, our office is easily accessible for families throughout Pleasanton, Poteet, Jourdanton, and the surrounding South Texas area. Contact us today to learn more about orthodontic care for your child!
