How to tell if your child will need braces
As a parent, your child’s dental bills are something you need to consider as they get older. Whether or not they need braces is a common question — and one that can pop up earlier than you might expect.
Some kids have very clear signs, like crooked or crowded teeth, but for others, the need for braces isn’t so clear. Maybe their baby teeth came out early, or you’ve noticed they breathe through their mouth at night. So how do you know if it’s something to keep an eye on or just a phase they’ll grow out of?
In this article, we’ll look at the key signs that your child may need braces or clear aligners, what age to start thinking about an orthodontic assessment, and how early treatment can make things easier (and cheaper!) in the long run.
What do braces actually fix?
Braces don’t just straighten teeth so you can have the perfect smile (though that’s a pretty great bonus). They correct a range of dental and jaw issues that can affect how your child eats, speaks, breathes, and even sleeps. Braces help with:
- Overcrowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites or underbites
- Crossbites
- Jaw misalignment
So, how do you know if your child needs help in any of these areas? Here are some of the most common signs.
1. Crooked or crowded teeth
This one’s easy to spot. If your child’s teeth seem crooked, overlapping, or too close together, it could mean that there isn’t enough space in their mouth — and braces might be needed to straighten things out.
It’s also common for baby teeth to look fine, but when adult teeth come in, there’s suddenly not enough room. This is why regular visits to the dentist are essential.
2. Losing baby teeth too early or too late
Timing is everything when it comes to baby teeth. If your child loses them much earlier or later than average, it can affect how their adult teeth grow in. Early loss can leave space for neighbouring teeth to shift into the wrong position. Late loss might mean the adult teeth get stuck or come in at the wrong angle.
3. Issues with biting or chewing
If your child has trouble chewing food properly, complains of pain when biting, or seems to chew on one side of the mouth only it could indicate misaligned teeth or jaw issues. This can make it uncomfortable or difficult to eat — and that’s something braces can help fix.
4. Mouth breathing or snoring
This one surprises a lot of parents. Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can affect how the jaw and facial bones develop, especially in younger children. It’s also linked to poor sleep, behaviour issues, and even speech development.
If your child is a mouth-breather or snores loudly at night, it’s worth getting them checked out — an orthodontic assessment may be part of the solution.
5. Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
If your child’s top and bottom teeth don’t line up properly when they bite down, they may have a bite issue. You might notice the top teeth stick out a lot (overbite), the bottom teeth stick out (underbite), or that their teeth shift to one side (crossbite).
These issues can cause uneven wear on teeth, jaw pain, or even changes in facial appearance over time — but the good news is, early treatment often leads to great results.
6. Speech difficulties
Some speech problems, like lisps, can be related to the position of the teeth or jaw. If your child struggles to pronounce certain sounds or letters, it’s worth checking whether a dental issue is playing a part.
When should your child see an orthodontist?
The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up around age 7–8. That might sound early, but it’s the best time to find issues before they become more complex (and expensive!) to treat.
At this age, your child will have a mix of baby and adult teeth, which makes it easier for an orthodontist to predict how their mouth is developing. Sometimes, early intervention (known as interceptive treatment) can prevent or reduce the need for full braces later on.
So… does every kid need braces?
Not necessarily! Some children have naturally well-aligned teeth and jaws. Others may only need a retainer or minor adjustment, while some will benefit from a full set of braces.
The only way to know for sure is to get a professional opinion from your local dentist. And the earlier you do that, the more options you’ll have.
Let’s make it easier
At The Practice, we’re here to make dental care easy and stress-free — for both kids and parents. If you’ve noticed any of the signs listed above, or you just want peace of mind, our friendly team can help guide you through the process.
From your child’s first orthodontic assessment to treatment options and support, we’re with you every step of the way, whether it’s for traditional braces or your child is a suitable candidate for clear aligners.
Ready to book your child’s dentist appointment
Get in touch with our West End dentists today by calling 07 3733 3223.
