Top 5 Signs Your Child May Need Braces (From a Local Porter Ranch Orthodontist)

As a parent, you want the best for your child — especially when it comes to their health and confidence. One of the most common questions we get at Dadjoo Orthodontics is: “How do I know if my child might need braces?”

Whether your child is still in grade school or entering their teenage years, there are a few early signs to watch out for. Addressing these concerns early can make treatment easier, shorter, and even prevent bigger issues down the road.

Here are the top 5 signs your child may benefit from orthodontic care:

1. Why Are My Child’s Teeth Crowded or Crooked?

This is one of the most noticeable signs. If your child’s teeth are overlapping, rotated, or spaced unevenly, it could be a result of limited space in the jaw. Crowding can make it harder to brush and floss properly, leading to future dental problems.

The good news? The earlier we intervene, the easier it is to guide proper alignment.

2. Are Teeth That Stick Out a Concern?

Upper front teeth that protrude are more than just a cosmetic issue — they’re also at higher risk for trauma. Whether it’s a fall at the playground or a ball to the face, prominent teeth are more likely to chip or break.

We often see this with patients who had prolonged thumb-sucking or early jaw growth imbalances.

3. Is Early Loss of Baby Teeth a Problem?

If your child loses baby teeth too soon — from decay, injury, or natural causes — it can throw off the alignment of the permanent teeth. The surrounding teeth may shift into the open space, blocking out the adult teeth underneath.

This is where early orthodontic monitoring is key. A space maintainer or partial braces can help guide eruption the right way.

4. Does a Narrow Smile or Mouth Breathing Mean Orthodontic Issues?

Does your child seem to have a small, narrow smile? Do they breathe through their mouth more than their nose — especially at night? This could point to a constricted upper jaw or airway issue.

We often use expanders to gently widen the jaw, creating more space for teeth and improving breathing and sleep quality.

5. Can a Pacifier or Bottle Cause an Open Bite?

If your child still uses a pacifier or bottle beyond toddlerhood, it may lead to an open bite — where the front teeth don’t touch when biting down. This can impact speech, chewing, and appearance as they grow.

We’ve seen amazing results correcting this with early Phase I treatment before it becomes a more complex issue.

🗓️ When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

We recommend bringing your child in as soon as you notice a problem — whether it’s crowding, teeth that stick out, or unusual habits like thumb sucking. But even if everything seems fine, we still encourage a first orthodontic visit by age 7.

At this crucial age, we can screen for developing issues that often fly under the radar — such as:

• Impacted permanent teeth
• Space loss after early baby tooth loss
• Abnormal oral habits like mouth breathing, finger biting, or thumb sucking

Catching these early can make a huge difference — often reducing the need for more complex treatment later.

At Dadjoo Orthodontics, we offer a number of evidence-based, research-backed treatment options, including maxillary expanders, functional appliances, and professional guidance tailored to your child’s unique needs. We also have a large network of local professionals we can connect you with — ensuring your child receives the most comprehensive care possible.

Besides orthodontic treatment, Dadjoo Orthodontics is proud to be a local sponsor of PRCS School and the OYA Volleyball Club. We believe in investing in the well-being of our community both inside and outside the office.

Our early consultations are thorough, informative, and completely free. We’ll provide a 3D scan, check how your child is growing, and let you know if any action is needed now — or just monitor growth until the time is right.

📍 Located in Porter Ranch? Come visit our family-friendly office across from the Vineyards shopping center.
👨‍⚕️ Let’s work together to give your child a confident, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.

🤔 Quick FAQ for Parents

Q: Do baby teeth matter if they’ll fall out anyway?
A: Yes! Baby teeth guide the permanent teeth. Losing them too early without orthodontic guidance can lead to long-term issues like crowding or misalignment.

Q: Can thumb sucking really cause crooked teeth?
A: Absolutely. Prolonged habits like thumb or finger sucking can reshape your child’s bite and cause an open bite or flared front teeth.

Q: Is age 7 really the best time for a first orthodontic visit?
A: Definitely. It doesn’t always mean braces — it means catching small problems before they grow into big ones. Early evaluation can prevent extractions, surgery, or longer treatments later.