How to Tell If Your Child Needs Braces

Q: So many children have braces. How can I tell if my child may need them soon?

A: If you observe something abnormal about your child’s teeth, you should seek advice from your child’s dentist or pediatrician about whether to see an orthodontist. 

Here are some signs that a child is likely to benefit from seeing an orthodontist:

• Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth

• Difficulty in chewing or biting

• Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth

• Jaws that shift or make sounds

• Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth

• Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all

• Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face¹

Q: What causes the need for braces?

A: Some orthodontic problems are genetic. Others develop over time due to thumb- or finger-sucking, mouth breathing, dental disease, accidents, or poor nutrition.¹

Q: What are the possible benefits of braces for my child?

A: Any problem classified as a “bad bite” may be minimized with the proper orthodontic treatment, including:²

• Crooked or crowded teeth

• Missing or extra teeth

• An overbite or underbite

• Incorrect jaw position

• A disorder of the jaw joint

Q: At what age should I take my child to see an orthodontist?

A: Some children benefit from an orthodontic evaluation as young as age 5 or 6. Treatment at this early age is unusual, but some preventive measures may be useful. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first visit to the orthodontist no later than age 7.¹

Q: What is the best age to be fitted with braces?

A: The best age varies from patient to patient. Orthodontic treatment most commonly begins between ages 8 and 14. Kids in this age range have at least some permanent teeth and are still growing.³

When treatment is neglected, dental problems may worsen over time and children, especially in their teen years, may suffer emotional problems associated with low self-esteem.²

¹ “Learn - A Beautiful Smile For Everyone” American Association of Orthodontists. www.braces.org/learn/index.cfm Accessed 2010.

² “Braces Align Crooked Teeth and Boost Self-Esteem.” Academy of General Dentistry. www.agd.org/public/newsroom/pressreleases/Default.asp?PubID=45&IssID=413&ArtID=1632 Accessed 2010.

³ “Braces and Orthodontics: FAQ.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/2598.aspx?currentTab=2 Accessed 2010.