Braces are orthodontic devices that help straighten teeth and correct bite problems like overbite and underbite. Misaligned teeth or jaws can hinder chewing, speech, and oral hygiene. Although braces are available for adults, they are most common among children and adolescents. Braces work by applying constant pressure on the teeth and moving them into proper positions. The exact way that the braces will function depends on the type you choose.

Orthodontists design braces to improve both the appearance and the function of the teeth. Many children need braces as their permanent teeth grow in. During childhood, the teeth and jaws are still developing. This makes it easier to guide the teeth into the correct positions. Braces can help create a healthier bite and a more balanced smile. Many parents often wonder how to tell if their child needs braces. Your child may need braces if:

They Have Crooked or Misaligned Teeth

Crooked teeth are often the first indication that your child will require braces. Teeth should erupt in straight rows. Occasionally, teeth may twist, tilt, or overlap. This indicates that there is not enough space for all the teeth to erupt properly. When teeth compete for space, they can be pushed out of position, causing crowding and uneven alignment. Teeth crowding or misalignment may be caused by:

  • Genetics. Genetics is a common cause of crooked teeth. Children may inherit a small jaw or large teeth from their parents. When there is not enough space in the mouth, teeth may crowd together and become misaligned.
  • Thumb sucking or pacifier use. Long-term thumb sucking or frequent pacifier use can affect tooth position. The pressure on the front teeth may push them forward.
  • Poor dental habits. Poor oral habits can also cause misalignment of teeth in children. Neglecting baby teeth can lead to cavities and subsequent tooth loss. Early tooth loss can result in other teeth shifting, which causes crowding.

Crooked teeth can make it difficult for a child to clean their teeth properly. Food particles and plaque can become trapped between overlapping teeth. Over time, this may increase the risk of cavities and gum problems. Your child may feel self-conscious about their smile if they have crooked teeth. Such issues can affect their confidence and self-esteem.

Braces can gradually move teeth into better alignment. These orthodontic devices improve both dental health and confidence. If your child’s teeth look crooked or crowded, you should schedule an orthodontic consultation.

They Lose Their Baby Teeth Too Early or Too Late

Baby teeth follow a predictable timeline for falling out. The majority of children lose their baby teeth between the ages of six and twelve. If a child's baby tooth is lost prematurely, the adjacent teeth may shift into the space before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. This procedure can prevent a permanent tooth from erupting or cause it to erupt improperly.

When baby teeth stay until it is time for the permanent teeth to come in, the new teeth can erupt behind or beside the baby teeth. Either of these situations can create crowding and alignment issues. Losing a baby tooth too early or too late is another indication that your child may need braces. In this case, you can schedule a checkup with an orthodontist.

The orthodontist will monitor the timing of tooth loss to determine whether intervention is needed. “Braces can help move teeth to the correct positions and allow new teeth to erupt properly.

They Have Difficulty Chewing or Biting

Children should be able to bite and chew food without pain or discomfort. When the teeth and jaws are properly aligned, the upper and lower teeth meet evenly. This allows for the proper breakdown of food during chewing. Chewing can become difficult for a child with a misaligned bite.

Some children may struggle to bite foods such as apples, sandwiches, or corn on the cob. Other children may chew slowly or avoid certain foods completely. This phenomenon may happen because the teeth are not meeting in the correct position. Avoidance of certain foods can affect your child's nutrition and overall well-being.

A poor bite can cause uneven pressure on certain teeth. Over time, this pressure can lead to tooth wear or jaw discomfort. In some cases, children may accidentally bite the inside of their cheeks or lips while chewing. Such actions can cause injuries in the mouth and lead to further complications. Signs that may indicate that your child has difficulty chewing include:

  • Taking a long time to finish their meals
  • Avoiding hard or chewy foods
  • Complaining about discomfort when eating
  • Frequently biting the inside of the cheeks or lips
  • Moving food around the mouth to find a comfortable chewing spot

If your child has these issues, they may need braces. Braces can gradually correct tooth misalignment. As the teeth move into better positions, chewing becomes easier and more comfortable.

They Have Mouth Breathing Issues

Breathing through the nose is the normal and healthy way to breathe. However, some children develop a habit of breathing through their mouths. Mouth breathing may occur during the day or while the child is sleeping. Sometimes mouth breathing happens because of the following:

  • Allergies
  • Nasal congestion
  • Enlarged tonsils

In other instances, breathing problems are associated with the development of the teeth and jaws. Frequent mouth breathing in a child can keep the lips parted, which can affect the development of the facial bones and dental arches. Mouth breathing can cause the following dental complications:

  • Narrow dental arches
  • Crowded or crooked teeth
  • Changes in jaw development
  • Dry mouth
  • Gum irritation

Children who breathe through their mouths may snore or sleep with their mouths open. Some may wake up with a dry mouth or foul breath. If your child has long-term mouth breathing, it can affect how the teeth and jaws grow. Orthodontic treatment may help guide proper development. A dentist or orthodontist can also help determine whether another medical issue is contributing to the problem.

They Suck Their Thumb Beyond Early Childhood

Many infants and young children suck their thumbs. For many babies, sucking on their thumbs makes them feel safe and comfortable. Most children lose this habit between the ages of 3 and 5. When sucking persists after the permanent teeth have grown in, it may interfere with proper tooth alignment.

Over time, the habit may change the way the teeth and jaws grow. Prolonged thumb sucking can cause the following orthodontic issues:

  • The front teeth may protrude or shift forward
  • The top and bottom teeth do not touch
  • A narrow upper jaw
  • Changes in the shape of the palate
  • Bite alignment problems

Children who suck their thumbs for long periods each day may have a higher risk of these issues. The longer the habit persists, the greater its impact on the teeth. If your child continues to suck their thumb after age five or six, you should consult an orthodontist. Your orthodontist can assess the child's teeth and jaws to determine the best solution. Early intervention can help prevent long-term complications.

They Have Crowded Teeth

Crowded teeth occur when there is not enough space in the mouth for all the teeth to fit. This is a common reason children need braces. When teeth compete for space, they may overlap, twist, or grow at unusual angles. Crowding often becomes noticeable when permanent teeth begin to replace baby teeth. Adult teeth are larger than baby teeth. If the jaw is small or the teeth are large, there may not be enough room for proper alignment.

Crowded teeth can create the following challenges for your child:

  • Difficulty brushing and flossing properly
  • Food getting stuck between overlapping teeth
  • Increased risk of cavities
  • Higher risk of gum inflammation
  • Uneven pressure when biting

Crowded teeth can be difficult to clean adequately, creating an environment in which plaque and bacteria can easily build up. Such conditions can lead to dental caries or periodontal disease. Braces can be used to create more space in the oral cavity by moving teeth into better positions. The treatment will improve the child's overall alignment and oral hygiene.

They Have Gaps Between Teeth

Small spaces are common in baby teeth. The spacing often helps make room for larger permanent teeth. In some cases, if there are large or noticeable spaces between permanent teeth, braces may be needed. If the teeth are too small relative to the jaw or if they are missing, spaces may develop. Common causes of spaces between the teeth include:

  • Teeth that are smaller than the jaw space
  • Missing or extra teeth
  • A large tissue attachment between the front teeth
  • Habits that push teeth apart
  • Jaw growth differences

If the gaps are larger, they can affect the appearance of your child's smile. Your child may feel self-conscious if significant gaps are present, especially in the front teeth. If you want to close those spaces, orthodontic treatment can help. Braces apply gentle pressure to move the teeth closer together. This gives the child a more attractive smile and better alignment.

They Have Jaw Pain or Clicking Sounds

Another sign that your child needs braces is jaw pain and clicking sounds when the jaw moves. These symptoms can sometimes occur when a child has jaw alignment issues. When the teeth do not fit together properly, the temporomandibular joints receive extra pressure. Over time, an uneven bite can strain these joints, leading to discomfort or unusual sounds.

These symptoms do not always mean a child needs braces. However, they may indicate misalignment of the teeth and jaws. When you consult an orthodontist, they can evaluate the child's bite and determine the best course of action.

They Have a Crossbite

A crossbite happens when some of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth closes. Normally, the upper teeth should rest slightly outside the lower teeth. A crossbite may affect a single tooth or several teeth. In some cases, it affects only the front teeth, which can affect the child's smile. If a crossbite is not corrected early, it can affect jaw growth. Furthermore, it may lead to uneven tooth wear over time. Common signs that your child has a crossbite include:

  • Teeth that do not line up properly when biting down
  • Jaw shifting to one side when closing the mouth
  • Uneven tooth wear
  • Difficulty chewing comfortably

Crossbites respond well to early orthodontic treatment. Because a child’s jaw is still growing, it may be easier to guide the teeth into the correct positions. Braces or other orthodontic appliances can help correct the alignment.

They Have an Underbite

An underbite happens when teeth on the lower jaw extend in front of the upper teeth when the child closes their mouth. In a normal bite, the upper teeth should slightly overlap the teeth on the lower jaw. Your child might require braces if they have an underbite. An underbite develops because of differences in jaw growth. The lower jaw may grow larger than the upper jaw. In other cases, the upper jaw may fail to grow sufficiently.

This type of bite problem can affect the function and appearance of the child's teeth. Children with an underbite may have trouble biting certain foods or chewing.

They Have Shifting Teeth

Teeth can gradually move from their original position, especially during childhood and adolescence. In some cases, this movement is normal. However, noticeable shifting can sometimes indicate developing orthodontic problems. The movement can cause crowding and bite problems.

Your child's teeth may be shifting if you notice gradual overcrowding or new gaps forming between existing teeth. In this case, you should consult an orthodontist for evaluation. Braces can help move the teeth back into the right position to restore function and appearance.

Find a Skilled Dentist Near Me

Braces are a common orthodontic treatment for children with bite and jaw alignment issues. These devices work by pushing and guiding the teeth into desired positions. Correctly aligned teeth are easier to clean, function more effectively, and place less strain on the jaw. Your child may require braces for crooked teeth, crowding, bite issues, and speech problems.

Thumb sucking or mouth breathing in your child may indicate orthodontic issues that can be corrected with braces. Once you notice these warning signs, you should schedule an orthodontic evaluation. Early evaluation and treatment can prevent further complications.

If you notice any of these warning signs, you should consult an orthodontist. At Washington Dental, we offer safe, efficient, and reliable orthodontic dental care for our clients. Contact us at 310-217-1507 from Carson, Los Angeles, Lomita, and Torrance to schedule an appointment.