At SuperKiddos Dental & Orthodontics in Woodland Hills, one of the most common questions we get from parents is: “When should my child get braces?” While there’s no universal age for treatment, many orthodontic issues start showing up earlier than you might expect and early intervention can make a big difference.
Waiting too long can mean more complicated treatments later. That’s why knowing the early signs can save time, money, and discomfort down the road.
1. Crowded or Overlapping Teeth
If your child’s baby teeth are tightly packed, it’s a good indicator that permanent teeth won’t have enough room to come in properly. Crowding can lead to rotated or overlapping teeth, which are harder to clean and more prone to cavities. An early orthodontic exam can help guide proper spacing before it becomes a bigger issue.
2. Mouth Breathing or Snoring
Children who breathe through their mouth especially while sleeping may be compensating for a bite issue or narrow airway. In some cases, this can affect jaw development and even facial growth. Early evaluation can determine whether orthodontic treatment, paired with other therapies, can improve both health and alignment.
3. Jaw Clicking, Shifting, or Popping
If your child’s jaw makes noise, feels sore, or seems to shift when chewing or talking, it could indicate a misaligned bite. These problems often show up during growth spurts. Braces or other orthodontic appliances can help guide the jaw into proper alignment and prevent future pain or TMJ issues.
4. Difficulty Chewing or Speaking
Children with crossbites, underbites, or other bite problems may struggle to bite into food or pronounce certain words clearly. While it might seem like just a phase, it could be a red flag that orthodontic care is needed to align the teeth and improve function.
5. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
Losing baby teeth too soon or much later than average can throw off the timing of permanent teeth. That can lead to misalignment, crowding, or impaction. If your child’s tooth loss doesn’t follow the typical pattern, it’s worth scheduling an evaluation with a pediatric orthodontist.
When to See an Orthodontist
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7. At this age, enough adult teeth have come in to assess spacing, bite alignment, and jaw development.
At SuperKiddos Dental & Orthodontics, we don’t believe in rushing treatment. In many cases, we simply monitor growth. But for others, early intervention with expanders or limited braces can reduce the need for more complex treatments later.
Why Early Detection Matters
Orthodontic issues don’t fix themselves and ignoring the signs can lead to:
- Increased risk of tooth decay or gum disease
- Speech development delays
- Jaw pain or uneven growth
- Self-esteem issues due to crooked or visible bite problems
Early treatment can guide natural growth in a healthier direction, minimize complications, and often shorten total time in braces down the line.
What to Expect at SuperKiddos Dental & Orthodontics
Our Woodland Hills pediatric team works closely with children and parents to make the orthodontic process approachable and stress-free. From your first consultation to follow-ups, we explain everything in kid-friendly terms and take a gentle, age-appropriate approach.
Whether your child ends up needing braces now or later, our team is here to make the journey smooth, personalized, and effective.
SuperKiddos Dental & Orthodontics is here to help you catch the early signs before they become bigger problems. Call us today or book your child’s orthodontic evaluation online. We’re here to guide every smile through every stage.