As a parent, you want the best for your child, including a healthy, confident smile. But how do you know if your child will need braces? Many dental concerns that affect long-term oral health begin developing early, even before all adult teeth are in place. Recognizing the signs early and getting braces for kids can make a significant difference.
At Clifton & Mauney, we help families with all of their pediatric dental and orthodontic needs, including determining if their children need braces. From children and teens to adults, we’re committed to helping everyone in the family put their best smile on.
What do the experts say?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should have their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age seven. This is when permanent teeth begin to emerge, making it easier for orthodontists to identify crowding, bite issues, jaw growth concerns, and eruption patterns that may benefit from early guidance.
Common signs your child might need braces
There are also more obvious signs that your kid might need braces. When you bring them in for an appointment, these are the things you can talk to the orthodontist about.
Crowded teeth are one of the most common reasons children need braces. When the jaw doesn’t have enough space, teeth can shift, overlap, or become rotated. This makes brushing and flossing difficult and increases the risk of cavities and gum irritation.
Some spacing is normal in early childhood, but persistent or large gaps may be a sign of missing teeth, abnormal eruption patterns, or jaw-size differences that benefit from orthodontic care.
Sometimes called “buck teeth,” overjet is often confused with an overbite. It refers to upper front teeth that protrude forward. This can increase the risk of dental trauma and may affect speech.
When the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth, it may indicate a jaw growth imbalance. Early correction can guide the jaws into better alignment.
If upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth (in the front or back of the mouth), this is called a crossbite. Left untreated, it can lead to jaw shifting, uneven tooth wear, and facial asymmetry.
If your child bites down and their front teeth don’t touch, this is an open bite. It may result from habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting and can affect chewing and speech.
Prolonged thumb or finger habits can change the shape of a child’s palate and influence tooth and jaw alignment.
If your child avoids certain foods, complains about chewing, or bites their cheeks or tongue frequently, they may have a misaligned bite.
Chronic mouth breathing—sometimes related to allergies, airway obstruction, or other nose/throat issues—can affect jaw growth and lead to long-term orthodontic issues.
Any sounds in the jaw joint or visible jaw shifting should be evaluated. Early jaw strain can indicate a developing bite imbalance.
Why early orthodontic intervention matters
What is the best age for a child to get braces?
In what grade do kids usually get braces?
What do Phase 1 braces do?
What happens during a pediatric orthodontic evaluation?
At Clifton & Mauney in Chapel Hill North, orthodontic treatment starts with a full exam. Your child’s first orthodontic appointment includes:
- Digital imaging or X-rays to assess tooth development and jaw growth
- Bite analysis to check for overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite
- Growth and eruption assessment to predict how permanent teeth will come in
- Habit evaluation (thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, tongue thrust)
- Airway evaluation when appropriate
- A personalized treatment plan or monitoring schedule
We specialize in working with all kids, including those with special needs. Our friendly staff makes accommodations for everyone to feel safe and comfortable, because coming to the dentist shouldn’t be an overwhelming experience.
What options are there if my kid needs braces?
We offer several braces and orthodontic options for children and teens:
- Metal braces: Durable and effective for most cases
- Damon® system braces: Metal braces that don’t need elastic ties
- Clarity™ clear braces: Ceramic brackets that blend in with the color of teeth
- Expanders, partial braces, and space maintainers: Often used in Phase 1
Our team of trusted orthodontists in Chapel Hill will recommend the right type of braces depending on your child’s dental phase, unique smile needs, and personal preferences.
Financial basics for braces
If Dr. Clifton recommends braces for your child, it’s for a reason. Braces are an investment in their long-term health. Costs vary depending on your dental insurance coverage and the services your child needs. We know the cost of healthcare can be a challenge. Here are some options that can help:
- Dental plans through Clifton & Mauney: Our team can work with you to find the right plan to make your child’s braces more affordable.
- FSA and HSA funds: We accept both funds from both flexible and health savings accounts.
- Your dental insurance: We also work with many commercial insurance providers and can submit claims for reimbursement.
Whatever your financial or insurance situation, our team will work hard to make your treatment as affordable as possible. We’ll discuss all your potential payment arrangements in detail with you during your child’s initial consultation appointment.
Don’t wait, get a head start on your child’s smile at Clifton & Mauney
The best way to know if your child may need braces is to schedule a consultation with an experienced orthodontist. At Clifton & Mauney, we provide expert, family-friendly orthodontic care tailored to each child’s needs.
Knowing the signs early gives your child the best chance at a confident, healthy smile for life. Call 919.933.1007 or book a consultation appointment with us online today.
