One of the most common concerns parents have when taking their child to the dentist is whether their child will need braces. The most important thing to keep in mind is that every child is unique, which is why regular dental visits are essential. These visits allow the dentist to monitor your child’s development and catch any potential issues early.
Orthodontic treatment typically begins between the ages of 9 and 12, though some children may start treatment a bit earlier or later depending on their individual needs.
Reasons Your Child Might Need Braces
There are several reasons why your child may require braces, often related to both their oral and physical development. Here are some signs that orthodontic treatment could be beneficial:
- Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Tongue thrusting
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude, or are misaligned
- Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
- Teeth that don’t meet properly or don’t meet at all
- Teeth and jaws that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
If you notice any of these issues, your child doesn’t have to wait until the typical age range to see the dentist. In fact, it’s recommended that children visit the dentist by age one or when their first tooth erupts. This is an important time to start building a long-term relationship with the dentist and establish good oral care habits.
When to Visit the Dentist for an Orthodontic Evaluation
While people of all ages can benefit from braces, it’s best for children to see a dentist for an orthodontic assessment between the ages of 8 and 10. At this age, the dentist can evaluate the development of your child’s teeth and determine if early orthodontic intervention is needed. This may include assessing both baby (deciduous) teeth and adult (permanent) teeth. This early phase of treatment is known as Phase 1 or interceptive orthodontics.
Your dentist may also recommend an X-ray, called an orthopantomogram (OPG), around age 8. This screening helps assess the developing teeth and allows the dentist to monitor the eruption of adult teeth. It also helps detect potential jaw issues that may not be visible in routine X-rays taken at the dental office.
What Happens If Your Child Needs Braces
In many cases, your child’s dentist will be the first to spot any potential issues during a regular check-up and may recommend an orthodontic evaluation. The assessment typically includes clinical photographs, X-rays, and a thorough analysis of your child’s skull, jaws, and how they relate to one another. Based on this evaluation, the dentist will determine if braces are needed and, if so, which treatment options are best. If necessary, they may refer your child to a specialist orthodontist for further care.
The First Dental Visit
At the first visit, the dentist will carefully examine your child’s teeth, mouth, and jaw. They may ask your child to bite down and inquire about any issues with chewing, swallowing, or jaw discomfort such as clicking or popping sounds.
The dentist might take X-rays to evaluate how the teeth are positioned and whether any permanent teeth are still coming in. They may also create a mold (impression) of your child’s teeth by pressing a tray filled with a soft material onto the top and bottom teeth. Once the material hardens, the mold serves as a precise replica of your child’s teeth, helping the dentist decide on the best treatment options. Additionally, the dentist will take clinical photographs to document the bite and dentition.
Regular visits to the dentist are key to ensuring that any potential issues with your child’s teeth and development are addressed as early as possible.
