Does My Child Need Braces? Early Signs to Watch For

Braces aren’t just for teens. In fact, many kids can benefit from seeing an orthodontist earlier than you might think. If you're wondering whether your child might need braces, you’re not alone. A lot of parents ask the same question. The key is to spot the signs early.

Here’s what to watch for.

1. Crooked or Crowded Teeth

This is usually the first thing parents notice. If your child’s teeth are not lining up right or are too close together, it might be time to check in with an orthodontist. Crowding can make it hard to brush and floss. That means more chance for cavities and gum problems.

You might see baby teeth that are packed tight or overlap each other. This can be a hint that the adult teeth will come in the same way—or worse.

2. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth

Kids usually start losing baby teeth around age 6. Most are done by 12. If your child loses teeth much earlier or later than this, it could point to a problem with how the adult teeth are forming or coming in.

Losing baby teeth too soon might cause others to shift into the empty space. That can mess up the bite or block new teeth from coming in straight.

3. Trouble Biting or Chewing

Pay attention when your child eats. Do they have trouble biting into food like apples? Do they chew mostly on one side? That could mean the teeth aren’t lining up right.

A bad bite (called a malocclusion) can lead to pain in the jaw, uneven tooth wear, or even digestion issues if food isn’t chewed well.

4. Breathing Through the Mouth

If your child always breathes through their mouth, even when they’re not sick, it could affect their jaw and teeth. Mouth breathing can change how the face and jaw grow. It might lead to a narrow upper jaw or an open bite, where the front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed.

This may also lead to dry mouth, which raises the risk for cavities.

5. Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Use Past Age 4

Thumb sucking and pacifier use are normal for babies. But if they go on too long—like past age 4—they can cause problems. They often push the top teeth forward and the bottom teeth back. This is known as an “open bite.”

Even if the habit has stopped, the effects might still be there. It’s a good idea to have it checked.

6. Jaw That Pops, Clicks, or Shifts

Does your child’s jaw make noise when they chew or talk? Do they complain about it hurting or feel like it “sticks” sometimes? That can be a sign the jaw joint isn’t working right.

In some cases, the top and bottom jaws grow at different rates. That can lead to an overbite or underbite, which often needs early care.

7. Teeth That Don’t Come In When They Should

If adult teeth are slow to show up, or come in out of order, there may be a problem. Sometimes teeth get stuck under the gums. Other times, there’s not enough space.

X-rays can help an orthodontist see what’s going on below the surface. Waiting too long can make things harder to fix later.

8. Speech Problems

Teeth and jaws play a big role in how we speak. If your child has trouble saying certain words or sounds, it might be more than just a speech issue. Misaligned teeth or bite problems could be part of it.

A speech therapist might help, but braces could also be part of the fix.

What Age Should Kids See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists says kids should have their first checkup by age 7. That might sound early, but it’s the perfect time to catch small problems before they turn into big ones.

Your child might not need braces right away. But early visits help the orthodontist watch how the teeth and jaws are growing. In some cases, early treatment can guide growth and make future treatment shorter and easier.

Why Early Signs Matter

Braces are more than just about looks. Fixing bite issues early can help with chewing, speaking, and even breathing. It can stop pain, cut down on tooth damage, and make brushing easier.

Plus, it can help your child feel more confident about their smile.

What to Do Next

If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, don’t wait. Book a visit with your pediatric dentist in Airdrie or an orthodontist. They can take a look and let you know if your child needs braces—or just needs to be watched for now.

Early action can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

It’s not always easy to tell if your child needs braces. But knowing what to look for helps. Trust your gut. If something feels off with your child’s teeth, bite, or smile—check it out.

A simple checkup now could save time, money, and stress later on.