How to Tell If a Child is in Need of Braces

Posted on 3/16/2026 by NC Pediatric Dentisty

Smiling young girl holding a dental model and giving a thumbs-up at a dental clinic, promoting early orthodontic care.

Knowing when your child might need orthodontic treatment can be tricky. It's not always about perfectly straight teeth; many factors play a role in determining if braces are the right solution. Let's explore some key signs that suggest your child could benefit from seeing an orthodontist.

Early Signs to Watch For

One of the first things to observe is when your child's baby teeth are falling out and permanent teeth are coming in. Typically, this process starts around age six. If teeth seem to be erupting in odd positions, overlapping significantly, or if there isn't enough space for new teeth, it's a good idea to consult with a dental professional. Crowding is a common indicator that braces may be needed later.

Another early sign is persistent thumb-sucking or pacifier use beyond the age of three. These habits can put pressure on the developing jaw and teeth, potentially leading to misalignments. While many children naturally stop these habits, prolonged use can impact dental development.

Bite Problems: A Major Indicator

The way your child's upper and lower teeth meet (their bite) is a crucial factor. Several bite problems can indicate a need for orthodontic intervention.

•	Overbite: This is when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth. A slight overbite is normal, but a large overbite can cause problems with chewing and speaking, and even damage the front teeth.
•	Underbite: The opposite of an overbite, an underbite occurs when the lower front teeth protrude beyond the upper front teeth.
•	Crossbite: This happens when some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. A crossbite can occur on one or both sides of the mouth.
•	Open Bite: An open bite is when the front teeth don't meet when the back teeth are closed. This can make it difficult to bite into certain foods.
•	Spacing: Gaps between teeth, while sometimes considered aesthetically pleasing, can also indicate underlying issues with jaw size or missing teeth.

Other Clues

Beyond bite problems and eruption patterns, pay attention to these additional clues:

•	Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: Misaligned teeth can sometimes interfere with proper chewing and speech development.
•	Mouth Breathing: While sometimes caused by allergies or nasal congestion, chronic mouth breathing can affect jaw development and tooth alignment.
•	Jaw Pain or Clicking: If your child complains of jaw pain, especially when chewing, or if you hear clicking or popping sounds when they open and close their mouth, it could be related to a misaligned bite.
•	Asymmetrical Facial Appearance: In some cases, a misaligned jaw can lead to an uneven appearance of the face.

The Importance of Early Evaluation

It's important to remember that not all children with these signs will necessarily need braces. However, an early evaluation by a qualified dental professional can help determine if orthodontic treatment is needed and, if so, the best time to start. Early intervention can sometimes prevent more complex problems from developing later on, potentially shortening the duration of treatment needed.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not your child needs braces is best made in consultation with a dental expert who can assess their individual needs and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Doctor Referral

Insurance Information

Education

A BETTER DENTAL EXPERIENCE

NC’s Premier network of pediatric dental practices is committed to delivering a full suite of trusted, comfortable, and informative oral care services. With kid-centric spaces and experiences, we teach kids how to care for their smiles.

Sitemap

NC Pediatric Dentistry, 202 Williamson Rd. Suite 200, Mooresville, NC 28117 + tbd + ncpediatricdentistry.com + 3/20/2026 + Tags: pediatric dentist +