Most people think of orthodontic treatment as happening during the teenage years, once all the adult teeth have come in. While braces or Invisalign treatment during adolescence is still common, orthodontic evaluations often start much earlier. In fact, identifying potential concerns in childhood can make treatment easier, shorter, or less complicated in the long run.
Early orthodontic treatment—also called growth modification —focuses on guiding jaw growth and correcting developing problems before they become more serious.
Why Early Orthodontic Evaluations Matter
Orthodontic issues rarely correct themselves over time. Problems involving jaw growth, bite alignment, and tooth spacing often worsen as children grow. Early evaluations allow orthodontists to monitor development and intervene at the right time if needed.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That doesn’t mean every 7-year-old needs treatment! In many cases, Dr. Laurent will monitor tooth/jaw growth and development until the ideal time for treatment, but these evaluations give the family a plan for the timing of any future treatment.
Here are some of the most common issues that might indicate your child needs an orthodontic evaluation.
1. Crowded or Crooked Teeth
One of the most obvious signs of orthodontic issues is crowding. If permanent teeth appear twisted, overlapping, or there isn’t room for the erupting teeth to fit in the mouth, there may not be enough space for healthy alignment. Many people are shocked to learn that the part of your mouth that holds your teeth is done growing by age 7! While other parts of your face and jaws continue to change, even at this early age, we have a good idea whether or not the adult teeth will fit into their mouths. Early treatment may help create space for incoming permanent teeth and reduce the need to extract adult teeth.
Related to crowding, a serious concern in a developing mouth is the impaction of adult teeth. Impaction means “stuck in the bone and will not erupt on its own,” and treatment for impactions can be extensive, uncomfortable, and expensive. Impacted teeth can also damage the surrounding adult teeth, so creating space for the teeth to erupt and never become impacted is an important goal.
2. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
Baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth. When they fall out too early—or remain in place too long—it can affect how adult teeth emerge. Most people have no idea whether their child’s eruption is ‘normal’. The first thing we do at initial exams and at every check-up appointment is count the teeth, and we will let you know if anything isn’t progressing as expected.
Early tooth loss may allow neighboring teeth to shift into the empty space, blocking permanent teeth from erupting correctly or causing them to become impacted. On the other hand, delayed tooth loss can indicate underlying developmental concerns with the adult teeth or the jawbone.
3. Difficulty Biting or Chewing
Children should be able to bite and chew comfortably. If your child struggles to chew food evenly, bites their cheeks or the roof of their mouth frequently, or complains about jaw discomfort while eating, bite alignment may be the issue.
An improper bite can place uneven pressure on the teeth and jaw joints, leading to long-term wear and discomfort. Early orthodontic care may improve both function and comfort.
4. Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing is often associated with narrow dental arches, crowded teeth, and bite issues. It may also contribute to dry mouth, poor sleep quality, and snoring. Children who primarily breathe through their mouths may experience changes in jaw development and facial growth over time.
While mouth breathing can have several causes, including allergies or enlarged tonsils, orthodontic evaluation may be an important part of identifying contributing factors.
5. Thumb Sucking or Prolonged Pacifier Use
Thumb sucking and pacifier use are normal soothing habits in infancy and early toddlerhood. However, when these habits continue once the patients have started getting their adult teeth, they can dramatically affect oral development.
Prolonged sucking habits may contribute to:
- Open bites and trouble biting into foods
- Protruding front teeth
- Narrow upper jaws
- Speech difficulties
We can discuss ways to stop the habit and then any necessary treatment to correct issues that have arisen from it.
6. Teeth That Don’t Meet Properly
When the mouth closes, the upper and lower teeth should fit together comfortably. If they don’t, your child may have a bite issue, such as:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
These conditions can affect chewing, speech, appearance, and jaw function. Some bite problems are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing, making early intervention especially valuable. For example, crossbites caught early may be corrected with expansion techniques that are much less invasive when patients are still growing and much less effective once growth is complete.
What Happens During an Orthodontic Evaluation?
We do four things:
- Review dental and medical history and any specific concerns you may have
- Count the teeth
- Evaluate how much space there is for the teeth & how straight they are
- Evaluate how the teeth fit together
If treatment is recommended, we’ll discuss the options. And if not, we’ll review what a timeline for tooth development or expected future treatment will look like.
Early Treatment Doesn’t Always Mean Braces
Parents are sometimes surprised to learn that early orthodontic treatment may involve more than traditional braces. Depending on the child’s needs, treatment could include:
- Palatal expanders
- Space maintainers
- Habit-correction appliances
- Limited braces
- Growth-guidance appliances
- Invisalign
Often, there are options to choose from based on your child’s habits, sensory tolerance, and responsibility level. We will discuss the pros and cons of the various options to make the best choice for your child’s treatment plan to reach our goals.
The Benefits of Acting Early
When orthodontic issues are addressed at the right stage of development, treatment can:
- Reduce the severity of future problems
- Improve facial symmetry and bite function
- Lower the risk of tooth damage
- Create space for permanent teeth
- Potentially shorten future orthodontic treatment
Most importantly, early evaluations provide peace of mind. Even if treatment isn’t needed yet, knowing your child’s development is on track can help you plan confidently for the future.
Final Thoughts
Every child develops differently, but certain signs should not be ignored. Crowded teeth, bite problems, mouth breathing, jaw discomfort, and prolonged oral habits can all indicate the need for an orthodontic evaluation.
Remember, early assessment does not automatically mean early braces. Instead, it gives orthodontists the opportunity to monitor growth and recommend treatment only when it will be most effective.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, please give us a call today to schedule your complimentary consultation– no referral needed.