As a parent, you want the best for your child, including a healthy and confident smile. But how do you know if your child might need metal braces? While some signs are obvious, others can be easy to miss without a trained eye. That’s why it’s helpful to know what to look for and when to schedule a visit with an orthodontist. Here are a few telltale clues that your child may need braces so you can set them up for lasting oral wellness.

Common Signs Your Child May Need Braces

If you’ve had braces yourself in the past, you may remember why you had them—but every smile is unique, and your child’s need for braces may stem from a different orthodontic issue than what you dealt with. In any case, keep your eyes peeled for these signs:

• Crooked or Crowded Teeth – If your child’s teeth seem tightly packed together or overlap each other, it may be a sign that there isn’t enough space in their mouth.
• Gaps Between Teeth – Large spaces between teeth—especially when adult teeth have already come in—can sometimes signal alignment issues.
• Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth – Losing baby teeth much earlier or later than expected can interfere with how adult teeth grow in, potentially creating alignment issues.
• Noticeable Bite Issues – Overbites, underbites, and crossbites all deal with your child’s teeth not fitting together properly, and all warrant orthodontic care.
• Difficulty Chewing or Biting – If your child struggles to chew food or complains that biting sometimes hurts, they can benefit from an orthodontic evaluation.

When to Take Your Child to See Their Orthodontist

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, an orthodontist can spot early signs of problems, even if the baby teeth are still present. Early intervention can help guide the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth, potentially reducing the need for more extensive treatment later on. However, if your child is older and hasn’t seen an orthodontist yet, it’s never too late to schedule a consultation. Many orthodontic issues are still very treatable during the teenage years and even into adulthood.

If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned above, or if your child is due for an orthodontic checkup, don’t hesitate to reach out to their provider. A straight, healthy smile can boost your child’s confidence while also supporting their long-term dental health!

About the Practice

Our team here at Simply Orthodontics has served the needs of patients and families in Derry and Hudson for several years, offering a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including traditional metal braces. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up a consultation to see if your child needs braces, please reach out online or call today for more information.  

Derry Office Telephone: (603) 932-7741.

Hudson Office Telephone: (603) 932-7726.