Does Your Child Need an Orthodontic Assessment? Signs to Look Out For

As children grow, their teeth and jaws change considerably. For some, adult teeth come through with plenty of space and settle into a healthy position. For others, issues with crowding, bite or jaw development may become more noticeable over time.

An orthodontic assessment can help identify these concerns and determine whether your child may benefit from orthodontic treatment now or in the future.

Importantly, attending an orthodontic assessment does not necessarily mean your child will need braces straight away. In many cases, the orthodontist may simply recommend monitoring their dental development as they grow.

What is an orthodontic assessment?

An orthodontic assessment looks at how your child’s teeth, bite and jaws are developing.

The orthodontist will examine the position of the teeth and how the upper and lower jaws meet. Depending on your child’s individual needs, photographs, X-rays or digital scans may also be recommended to provide a clearer picture of their dental development.

Following the assessment, the orthodontist can explain whether treatment is recommended and, if so, the most appropriate time to begin.

Signs your child may benefit from an orthodontic assessment

Every child’s smile develops differently, but there are some signs that may indicate an orthodontic assessment could be worthwhile.

Crowded or overlapping teeth

If your child’s teeth appear crowded, twisted or overlap one another, there may not be enough space in the jaw for the teeth to align naturally.

Crowding can vary from mild to more significant and may become more noticeable as additional adult teeth begin to appear.

Large gaps between teeth

Some spacing between children’s teeth can be completely normal, particularly while adult teeth are still coming through.

However, particularly large or persistent gaps may sometimes benefit from orthodontic assessment.

Teeth that stick out

Front teeth that protrude noticeably can affect the appearance of your child’s smile and may also be more vulnerable to accidental damage.

An orthodontist can assess the position of these teeth and advise whether treatment may be beneficial.

Difficulty biting or chewing

Your child’s upper and lower teeth should come together comfortably when they bite.

If they struggle to bite into certain foods, chew comfortably or their teeth do not appear to meet properly, their bite may need to be assessed.

An overbite

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth.

A certain amount of overlap is normal, but a more pronounced overbite may require orthodontic treatment depending on your child’s individual circumstances.

An underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when the mouth is closed.

This can be related to the position of the teeth, the development of the jaws or a combination of both.

A crossbite

A crossbite occurs when some of the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth rather than outside them.

Crossbites can affect individual teeth or several teeth and are worth having assessed by an orthodontist.

Adult teeth coming through in unusual positions

Sometimes adult teeth begin to erupt higher in the gum, behind other teeth or at an unusual angle.

This does not always mean orthodontic treatment will be needed, but an assessment can help establish whether the tooth is likely to move into position naturally.

Early or late loss of baby teeth

Children lose their baby teeth at different stages, so some variation is completely normal.

However, if baby teeth are lost particularly early or remain much longer than expected, it may affect the space available for developing adult teeth.

Your dentist or orthodontist can advise whether further assessment is necessary.

Your child is unhappy with their smile

Orthodontics is not only about how teeth function.

If your child feels self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth, an orthodontic consultation can help you understand whether treatment options are available.

At what age should my child see an orthodontist?

There is no single age at which every child should begin orthodontic treatment.

Some children may benefit from being assessed while they still have a mixture of baby and adult teeth, while others may not need treatment until more of their permanent teeth have appeared.

The best timing depends on how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing.

If you have concerns about their teeth, your dentist can advise whether an orthodontic assessment may be appropriate.

Does an orthodontic assessment always mean braces?

No.

One of the main benefits of an orthodontic assessment is simply understanding how your child’s smile is developing.

The orthodontist may recommend:

• No treatment at this stage
• Monitoring your child’s development
• Reviewing them again at a later date
• Beginning orthodontic treatment when appropriate

If treatment is recommended, the orthodontist will discuss the suitable options with you and your child.

What orthodontic treatments are available for children and teenagers?

The treatment recommended will depend on your child’s age, dental development and individual orthodontic needs.

Options may include traditional fixed braces, more discreet brace options or clear aligners in suitable cases.

Your orthodontist will explain which treatments may be appropriate and what you can expect throughout the process.

When should you book an orthodontic assessment?

If you have noticed changes in your child’s bite, crowded teeth, prominent front teeth or another aspect of their smile that concerns you, it can be helpful to arrange an assessment.

Early assessment does not necessarily mean early treatment. Instead, it allows the orthodontist to monitor your child’s dental development and recommend treatment at the most appropriate stage if it becomes necessary.

Orthodontic care at Dental Care Ireland

At Dental Care Ireland, orthodontic services are available at selected practices across Ireland.

Our orthodontic teams can assess your child’s teeth and bite, answer your questions and discuss the treatment options that may be suitable for them.

If you are wondering whether your child could benefit from an orthodontic assessment, contact your local Dental Care Ireland practice to find out more or book a consultation. See what practices offer orthodontics here.

Orthodontic services and treatment options vary by practice. Your dentist or orthodontist will advise on the most appropriate treatment based on your child’s individual needs.