When to Start Thinking About Braces for Your Child
As a parent, you’re always watching for signs that your child needs a little extra support, and their dental health is no different. One of the most common questions we hear at Pleasant Street Orthodontics is: ‘How do I know when my child is ready for braces?’ The answer isn’t always cut and dry, but there are some clear signals worth paying attention to.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At that point, most kids have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which gives an orthodontist like Dr. James Teebagy a clear picture of how the bite is developing and whether any early intervention might be needed. An evaluation at this stage doesn’t necessarily mean braces are coming right away. It simply means you have a roadmap.
Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Treatment
Every child is different, but there are several common signs that suggest it’s time to schedule an orthodontic consultation. Crowded or overlapping teeth are among the most obvious, and they can make brushing and flossing difficult, which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. If you notice that your child’s teeth seem to compete for space or that permanent teeth are coming in crooked, that’s worth a closer look.
Early or late loss of baby teeth is another flag. Baby teeth act as placeholders for the permanent ones, so when a tooth falls out ahead of schedule, neighboring teeth can drift into the empty space. Similarly, thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use can push the front teeth forward over time, creating what many people call an ‘open bite.’
Watch how your child bites down, too. If their upper and lower teeth don’t meet comfortably, or if they seem to chew primarily on one side, they may be dealing with a crossbite, underbite, or overbite. Jaw pain, clicking sounds, or frequent headaches can also point to an alignment problem that orthodontic treatment can address.
What Happens During an Orthodontic Evaluation?
Your child’s first visit to our Concord office is relaxed and low-pressure. Dr. Teebagy will take a look at the teeth, bite, and jaw development using X-rays and, sometimes, digital impressions. No needles, no drilling. The goal is simply to understand what’s happening and to give you an honest, clear picture of whether treatment is needed now, later, or possibly not at all.
If early treatment, sometimes called Phase 1, makes sense for your child, we’ll talk through the options and timeline. Many kids benefit from a phase of treatment between ages 7 and 10, followed by a second phase with full braces once all their permanent teeth are in. Other kids do fine waiting until their early teens. We’ll give you a recommendation that makes sense for your child specifically, not a one-size-fits-all answer.
The Concord, NH Difference
Pleasant Street Orthodontics is a community-oriented practice that has been serving families in Concord and the surrounding area for years. We know how busy family life gets in New Hampshire, so we make the process as simple and straightforward as possible. Our team works hard to make every visit a positive experience for kids, and we’re always happy to answer parent questions, whether over the phone or during the appointment.
Ready to find out if your child needs braces? Call us at (603) 225-5242 or stop by our office at 155 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301. We’d love to meet your family and get you started on the right path.