11 Signs Your Child May Need Braces

As a parent, you want to do the best you can to ensure that your child looks after their dental hygiene. However, some things may be out of your control, and you may begin to wonder if your child needs braces. The NHS estimates that around a third of children need orthodontic treatment, and it is not something for children to be ashamed of, as they are essential for fixing numerous problems before they worsen. But how do you know if braces will be a necessary treatment for your child? Outside of the regular six-month check-ups with their dentist, here are some signs that may show your child needs braces. 

1. Overcrowded Mouth

Signs of crowded teeth may demonstrate a need for braces. In fact, crowding is one of the most common reasons that children require braces. If you notice your child’s teeth are twisted, overlapping, or their adult teeth don’t have the space to come through, it’s worth getting in touch with their dentist. Fortunately, if you catch this common sign early, treatment can be quick, simple, and painless.

2. Gaps Between Teeth

As baby teeth fall out, it’s normal for some spaces to appear between teeth. However, larger gaps may be showing that your child’s teeth or jaw aren’t developing properly. In this case, the dentist may recommend aligners or full braces to help position teeth and ensure they’re properly aligned.

3. An Overbite or An Underbite

Overbites and underbites are common bite issues that can indicate a need for orthodontic intervention. An overbite occurs when the upper teeth extend far past the lower teeth, while an underbite is the opposite. Both can impact eating, speaking, and overall dental health, but early assessment helps guide effective treatment.

4. Difficulty Eating

If you’ve noticed that your child avoids eating certain foods (or struggles to eat them), chews only on one side, or complains about discomfort or pain while chewing, they may have a bite issue. Left unchecked, difficulty eating and chewing can cause more than dental issues – it can impact nutrition, too, and will likely worsen over time. Braces can help solve this discomfort, aligning the teeth so chewing is easier. 

5. Uncommon Loss of Baby Teeth

Typically, children begin to lose their baby teeth at around age six. By 12 or 13, the majority of their permanent teeth should have come through. If your child has lost their baby teeth too early, or is yet to lose them at all, orthodontic treatment may be required. When baby teeth don’t follow a typical pattern, it’s essential that a dentist assesses the ongoing bite and jaw growth as soon as possible to determine if braces can help. 

6. Snoring or Mouth Breathing

Regular snoring or persistent mouth breathing can sometimes indicate misalignment of the jaw or nasal passages. While these symptoms may not always mean your child needs braces, they can be a clue that their bite or jaw alignment needs evaluation. You should discuss any worries you may have about snoring or mouth breathing with your child’s dentist so they can determine if it’s necessary. 

7. Jaw Misalignment