7 Signs Your Child May Need Early Age Orthodontic Treatment

Most parents consider braces a milestone for teenagers.

But some orthodontic issues begin long before the teenage years, while baby teeth are still in place and jaws are still growing.

Early orthodontic treatment isn't about rushing children into braces. It’s about spotting small signs early, when growth is easier to guide, and making future treatments simpler — or sometimes unnecessary.

At Gums and Braces, we believe early checks are about giving children the best start for confident, healthy smiles.

Many early signs aren't obvious at first, even to the most attentive parents. Here’s what to look for.

7 Signs Your Child May Need Early Age Orthodontic Treatment

1. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth

Most children begin losing their first baby teeth around the age of six. This natural timeline gives permanent teeth the space they need to grow into healthy alignment.

If baby teeth fall out much earlier than expected, neighbouring teeth can drift into the empty spaces. This movement can block adult teeth from erupting properly, leading to crowding or misalignment.

If baby teeth remain firmly in place well beyond age eight or nine, it could signal delays in the development of the adult teeth underneath.

An early orthodontic evaluation helps assess whether your child’s tooth development is on track and offers the chance to guide growth before more complicated treatments are needed.

2. Difficulty Chewing or Biting

Chewing should feel natural and effortless for growing children. If your child often struggles to bite into foods like apples, sandwiches, or tougher textures, it could indicate a problem with how their teeth and jaws align.

Common signs include tilting the head to bite, chewing mostly on one side, or avoiding certain foods altogether. Bite issues — such as crossbites, underbites, or open bites — can cause strain on the jaw muscles and affect how the jaw develops over time.

Addressing functional difficulties early can prevent longer-term problems with jaw balance, dental wear, and speech development.

3. Mouth Breathing, Especially During Sleep

Breathing through the nose supports healthy jaw and facial growth. When a child habitually breathes through their mouth (particularly during sleep) it can gradually alter how their upper jaw forms.

Mouth breathing often leads to a narrower dental arch, crowded teeth, and changes in facial proportions. It can also contribute to dry mouth, increasing the risk of cavities and gum issues.

An orthodontic evaluation can help identify whether airway, jaw, or dental concerns are contributing to mouth breathing and recommend early interventions while growth patterns are still flexible.

4. Crowded, Crooked, or Blocked-Out Teeth

As adult teeth begin to emerge, some crowding is expected. However, significant overlap, twisting, or teeth appearing far out of line may suggest that there isn’t enough space in the jaw.

Severe crowding can interfere with proper cleaning, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. It can also complicate future orthodontic treatments if not addressed early.

An orthodontist can assess whether early space management, such as using appliances to guide jaw development, would make alignment easier and healthier as your child grows.

5. Speech Difficulties Related to Tooth Position

Certain speech sounds, like “s”, “th”, or “f”, depend on the precise placement of the tongue and teeth. If your child has trouble forming clear sounds, lisps noticeably, or struggles with specific pronunciations, it may be connected to how their teeth and jaws align.

Speech therapists often work closely with orthodontists when dental structures are part of the challenge. An early orthodontic evaluation can help determine whether tooth positioning or a tongue tie is playing a role and whether simple adjustments could support clearer speech development.

6. Jaw Shifting, Clicking, or Popping

The jaw should move smoothly and evenly when opening, closing, or chewing. If you notice your child's jaw shifting to one side, making clicking sounds, or popping during movements, it may indicate imbalance or strain within the jaw joint.

Left unchecked, jaw alignment issues can lead to uneven wear on the teeth, muscle discomfort, and more complex skeletal problems later. Early diagnosis allows for small corrections while the jaw is still developing, reducing the need for more invasive treatments as your child grows older.

7. Thumb Sucking or Dummy Use Beyond Age 4

Thumb sucking and dummy (pacifier) use are normal soothing behaviours for infants and young toddlers. However, if these habits continue beyond the age of four, they can begin to influence the way the teeth and jaws grow.

Prolonged sucking pressure can push the upper front teeth forward, cause an open bite (where teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed), and alter the natural development of the palate.

The earlier these habits are gently addressed, the better the chances of allowing natural jaw growth without needing complex interventions later. An orthodontic consultation can assess whether any changes to the bite or jaw shape have occurred and recommend simple strategies to support healthy development.

What Happens During an Early Orthodontic Evaluation?

An early orthodontic evaluation isn’t about starting braces immediately. It’s about understanding how your child’s teeth, jaws, and facial structure are developing — and whether any subtle issues might benefit from early guidance.

At Gums and Braces, an evaluation typically includes:

• A thorough review of dental growth, tooth eruption patterns, and bite alignment
• Checking jaw development, spacing, and airway considerations
• Discussing any habits (like thumb sucking or mouth breathing) that could affect future growth
• Clear advice on whether any action is needed now, or whether simple monitoring is the best approach

Many children who come in for early assessments don’t need immediate treatment. But if there are signs that could complicate growth, acting early often makes later treatments shorter, easier, and more predictable.

How Gums and Braces Support Families

Choosing the right time for orthodontic care isn’t always straightforward, and it shouldn’t feel like a decision you have to make alone.

At Gums and Braces, we strive to create a comfortable, family-centred environment where parents and children feel informed, supported, and understood.

When you visit us for an early orthodontic evaluation, you can expect:

• Friendly, stress-free consultations designed for children of all ages
• Clear explanations without jargon, so you know exactly what’s happening
• Personalized advice based on your child’s unique growth, not a one-size-fits-all plan
• A no-pressure approach — we only recommend treatment if it’s genuinely beneficial at this stage

We believe that the best orthodontic care starts with listening to the child’s needs, the parent’s concerns, and the natural timing of healthy development.

Whether treatment is needed now or later, our goal is simple: to help your child grow into their best smile with comfort, confidence, and clarity.

Early Checks, Healthier Smiles

Every child’s smile grows at its own pace. Sometimes, early signs of orthodontic issues are easy to miss, especially when kids adapt so naturally to small changes.

Early orthodontic evaluations aren’t about rushing into braces. They’re about giving parents clarity, giving children the best possible foundation for healthy growth, and making future care easier when needed.

At Gums and Braces, we believe early checks offer something valuable even when no immediate treatment is necessary: Peace of mind.

If you’ve noticed any of the signs we’ve covered — or if you simply want to make sure everything is on track — our team is here to help.

We’re proud to support Ghatkopar East families with honest advice, gentle guidance, and personalized care every step of the way.

Book an early age orthodontic evaluation with Gums and Braces today — and help your child’s future smile start strong.