Signs Your Child May Need Braces
Many parents assume orthodontic treatment only becomes relevant once all adult teeth are in. In reality, there are often early signs that a child may need braces or other orthodontic care long before the teenage years.
Recognizing these signs early allows orthodontists to guide jaw growth, monitor development, and prevent more complex problems later on.
At Pal Orthodontics of La Jolla, Dr. Pal evaluates children as early as age 7 to determine whether treatment is needed now or simply monitored for the right time.
Why Early Signs Matter
Orthodontic issues don’t usually appear overnight — they develop gradually as the jaws and teeth grow. Early evaluation helps identify whether a problem is dental (tooth-related), skeletal (jaw-related), or a combination of both.
Some conditions are much easier to correct while a child is still growing. If missed, they may require longer treatment, extractions, or even jaw surgery later in life.
Common Signs Your Child May Need Braces
1. Crowded or Overlapping Teeth
If teeth appear crooked, crowded, or overlapping, it may mean there isn’t enough space in the jaw. Early orthodontic treatment can help create room and guide proper eruption of adult teeth.
2. Difficulty Chewing or Biting
Children who struggle to bite into food or chew evenly may have a bite misalignment that should be evaluated.
3. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
Losing baby teeth too early or too late can disrupt how adult teeth come in and may increase the risk of crowding or impaction.
4. Mouth Breathing
Chronic mouth breathing can affect facial growth, jaw development, and airway health. Orthodontic evaluation can help identify underlying structural issues.
5. Thumb-Sucking Beyond Age 5
Prolonged thumb-sucking can push teeth forward and alter jaw growth, increasing the likelihood of bite problems.
6. Crossbite, Overbite, or Underbite
If the top teeth sit inside the bottom teeth (crossbite), protrude excessively (overbite), or sit behind them (underbite), early intervention may be needed to guide jaw development.
7. Jaw Shifting, Clicking, or Asymmetry
Jaws that shift when opening or closing, or appear uneven, can signal growth discrepancies that are best addressed early.
Does This Mean My Child Needs Braces Right Now?
Not necessarily.
At Pal Orthodontics of La Jolla, many children who show early signs of crowding do not start braces immediately. Instead, they are monitored over time so treatment can begin at the most effective moment to get the best possible results in the least amount of time.
Early orthodontic evaluations are about:
Timing treatment correctly
Preventing problems from worsening
Reducing treatment length later
Avoiding more invasive options
The Value of an Early Orthodontic Evaluation
Seeing an orthodontist early allows families to understand what’s happening and what to expect. In many cases, early care can reduce the need for extractions or complex procedures in the future.
Families throughout La Jolla and the surrounding San Diego area trust Pal Orthodontics for thoughtful, conservative orthodontic care focused on long-term health — not rushing treatment before it’s needed.
Schedule a Free Orthodontic Consultation
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, or if you simply want peace of mind, an orthodontic evaluation can provide clarity and reassurance.
👉 Schedule a free consultation at Pal Orthodontics of La Jolla and learn how early guidance can support your child’s healthiest smile.