Mar 28, 2025

How to spot early signs your child may need braces

As parents, keeping an eye on your child’s dental development is just as important as their overall health. Spotting the early signs that your child may need braces can make a big difference to their future smile - often leading to shorter treatment times and better results. Here’s what to look out for.

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth

Most children start losing baby teeth around age 6, but significant delays - or losing them too early - can affect how permanent teeth grow in. Irregular patterns may be an early indicator that orthodontic treatment could be needed.

2. Difficulty chewing or biting

If your child regularly struggles to bite or chew food, it could be due to misaligned teeth or jaw positioning. Left untreated, this can lead to discomfort or uneven wear on teeth.

3. Mouth breathing

Chronic mouth breathing, especially during sleep, can impact jaw and facial development. It may also be linked to orthodontic issues such as a narrow upper jaw or misalignment.

4. Thumb or finger sucking

Persistent thumb sucking beyond the age of four can put pressure on developing teeth and jaws, potentially leading to bite problems or protruding front teeth.

5. Crowded or crooked teeth

Teeth that overlap, twist, or seem to lack space often point to crowding - a common reason for orthodontic treatment. It’s especially important to have this assessed around age 7 or 8, when adult teeth are coming in.

6. Clicking or popping in the jaw

Unusual sounds when your child moves their jaw may indicate alignment issues or stress on the jaw joints, which can sometimes be corrected through orthodontic treatment.

7. Teeth that don’t meet properly

If your child’s teeth don’t touch when they bite down, or come together in an unusual way (such as an overbite or underbite), it may be time for an orthodontic assessment

8. Jaws or teeth that seem out of proportion

When the upper and lower jaws don’t appear to match in size, or teeth seem too prominent or recessed, orthodontic care can help bring balance to your child’s bite and facial profile.

Treatment options at SOP

At Specialist Orthodontic Practice, we offer a variety of braces and aligner solutions specifically designed for growing smiles:

• Traditional metal braces: These remain one of the most effective ways to correct alignment issues. Today’s versions are smaller, more comfortable, and can be customised with coloured elastics, which many kids and teens enjoy.
• Clear ceramic braces: A discreet alternative to metal, ceramic braces blend with natural tooth colour and are a popular choice among older children and teenagers.
• In-house clear aligners: Made right here at SOP, our clear aligners are comfortable, removable, and practically invisible. They're a great option for children and teens who prefer a more flexible approach to treatment. With Dental Monitoring, progress can even be tracked remotely via smartphone - minimising time away from school and busy schedules.

Pre-orthodontic guidance programme

Not every child needs braces straight away. That’s why we offer a pre-orthodontic guidance programme, where we see your child twice a year to monitor how their smile is developing. This allows us to step in at just the right time - if and when treatment becomes necessary - ensuring the most efficient and effective results.

Book an assessment with SOP

If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned above, or simply want peace of mind, we’d love to help. Book a consultation with our expert team at SOP in Dublin or Glenageary, and let’s take the first step towards a confident, healthy smile for your child.