10 Signs Your Child Might Need to See an Orthodontist
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Crowded or crooked teeth
If your child’s teeth overlap, are twisted, or don’t have enough space, they may benefit from orthodontic treatment to align the teeth properly.
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Early or late loss of baby teeth
Losing baby teeth too early or too late can affect how the permanent teeth come in.
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Difficulty biting or chewing
If your child avoids certain foods or struggles with chewing, it could be due to a bite issue.
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Mouth breathing
Chronic mouth breathing can affect jaw development and facial structure.
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Thumb sucking or pacifier use beyond age 4
Prolonged habits can push teeth out of alignment and affect the roof of the mouth.
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Speech problems
Certain speech difficulties may be linked to dental or jaw alignment issues.
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Teeth that stick out (overjet)
Protruding front teeth can lead to self-esteem issues and are more prone to injury.
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Jaws that shift, pop, or make sounds
These may be signs of jaw misalignment or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.
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Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
This could indicate misaligned teeth causing unintentional injury while chewing.
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An uneven or asymmetrical smile
Facial imbalance or a noticeably off-centered bite may warrant evaluation.
What’s Next?
Even if your child isn’t showing these signs, we recommend a preventive evaluation around age 7.
Permanent teeth are starting to replace baby teeth, so now is the perfect time to start tracking a child’s jaw growth and development. This early visit doesn’t always mean early treatment, but it does give us the opportunity to monitor development and intervene at the right time, if needed. Many issues are easier to treat when caught during childhood, when the jaws and teeth are still growing and more responsive to correction.
Schedule your complimentary consultation with us today!
Posted By Zach Category:
Blog
Post Date: October 16, 2025
