Does My Child Need Braces?

Is It Time for an Orthodontic Evaluation?

Every child's smile develops differently. While many bite changes are a normal part of growth, some may benefit from early orthodontic evaluation. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to monitor jaw growth and tooth development.

Five Signs Your Child May Benefit from an Evaluation

o   Crowded or overlapping teeth 

o   Bite problems, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite

o   Difficulty chewing or biting

o   Mouth breathing or persistent speech concerns

o   Baby teeth lost too early, too late, or permanent teeth not erupting as expected

Why Early Evaluation Matters

An early orthodontic evaluation does not mean your child needs braces right away. It helps identify developing concerns while your child's teeth and jaws are still growing, allowing treatment to be planned at the right time—or simply monitored as your child develops.

Parent-Friendly FAQ

Does every 7-year-old need braces?

No. Most children do not need braces at age 7. An early evaluation helps determine whether treatment is needed now, later, or simply monitored as your child grows.

Why is age 7 recommended?

By age 7, enough permanent teeth have erupted for the dentist or orthodontist to evaluate your child's bite, jaw growth, and tooth eruption.

Can my pediatric dentist tell if my child needs an orthodontic evaluation?

Yes! During routine dental visits, we monitor your child's growth and bite development. If we see signs that an orthodontic evaluation would be beneficial, we'll discuss it with you and provide a referral when appropriate.