5 Early Signs Your Child Might Need Braces (And What to Do Now)

As parents, we pay close attention to our children’s growth — from their first steps to their first teeth. But one area that often gets overlooked is jaw and bite development. Many orthodontic issues start forming long before all adult teeth have come in, and spotting them early can make a big difference.

At Tooth + Tongue Dental, we believe that early detection leads to easier, shorter, and more effective orthodontic treatment. In some cases, early monitoring may even help your child avoid braces altogether. So how do you know when it’s time to have your child evaluated?

Here are five early signs your child might need braces — and what to do next.

1. Crowded or Crooked Baby Teeth

While it’s common to think that baby teeth “don’t really matter,” their alignment plays a crucial role in how adult teeth erupt. If your child’s baby teeth appear tight, overlapping, or crooked, there may not be enough space in the jaw for permanent teeth.

What to look for:

• Teeth overlapping or turning
• Baby teeth not falling out on time
• New adult teeth coming in at odd angles

Why it matters: Crowding doesn’t always correct itself as your child grows. Early evaluation can determine if your child would benefit from interceptive orthodontics, like spacers or limited aligners, to guide proper development.

2. Mouth Breathing or Snoring at Night

Did you know that how your child breathes can affect their dental development? Children who breathe through their mouth, especially during sleep, often develop narrow upper jaws and misaligned bites.

Signs to watch for:

• Regular mouth breathing, even when awake
• Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
• Chronic dry mouth or chapped lips

What it could mean: A narrow airway can lead to improper jaw growth and contribute to orthodontic concerns. Your pediatric dentist or orthodontist may recommend a palatal expander or a referral to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor) for further evaluation.

3. Trouble Chewing or Biting

If your child often struggles to bite into food or seems to favor chewing on one side, it may be a sign of bite misalignment — such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite.

Common signs include:

• Frequently biting cheeks or lips
• Jaw shifts side to side when chewing
• Avoiding certain foods or taking longer to eat

Why this matters: Left untreated, bite problems can lead to jaw pain, speech issues, and uneven tooth wear. Early orthodontic treatment can correct these issues before they become more complex.

4. Teeth That Come In Too Early or Too Late

There’s a typical range for when baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in — and if your child falls far outside this range, it may signal a problem with tooth eruption or spacing.

Pay attention to:

• Baby teeth falling out too early due to decay or trauma
• Permanent teeth that fail to appear when expected
• Teeth coming in behind baby teeth (shark teeth)

What to do: A pediatric dental X-ray can help determine if the adult teeth are developing properly under the gums and whether early orthodontic intervention is needed.

5. Jaws That Seem Uneven or Make Sounds

A clicking or popping jaw isn’t just an adult issue — kids can experience it too. If your child’s jaw seems to shift when speaking or chewing, or if you notice an uneven smile, it could indicate jaw growth issues.

Watch for:

• Clicking or popping noises in the jaw
• Jaw shifts when opening/closing the mouth
• Asymmetry in the lower face or smile

Why timing matters: When treated early, growth modification appliances can help guide the jaw into the right position — minimizing the need for surgery or major treatment in the future.

What to Do if You Notice These Signs

Not every child who shows one or more of these signs will need braces immediately. But early evaluation can help you make informed choices and prepare if treatment is needed.

At Tooth + Tongue Dental, we closely monitor your child’s growth and development during regular checkups. If we see something concerning, we’ll let you know and refer you to a trusted pediatric orthodontist at the right time.

Our team believes in gentle, proactive care that supports healthy smiles — without rushing into unnecessary treatment.

Why Early Orthodontic Evaluation Matters

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening by age 7, even if no problems are obvious.

Benefits of early evaluation:

• Shorter, simpler treatment plans
• Less need for tooth extractions later
• Improved jaw and bite development
• Peace of mind for parents

Sometimes, we simply monitor the situation until the right time. Other times, early intervention makes a dramatic difference in outcomes.

Schedule Your Child’s Evaluation Today

Wondering if your child might need braces? Let us help you take the guesswork out of it.

📞 Call or text Tooth + Tongue Dental at +1 (925) 949-8427 to schedule your child’s next visit. We’ll make sure their smile is right on track — and support you with care, honesty, and clear next steps.

Let’s build a confident smile — together!

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