As parents, we love seeing our children smile. Every smile is special, but sometimes minor alignment issues can affect how those smiles grow and change over time. How do you know if your child may benefit from braces?
About one-third of children in the United States will need orthodontic treatment at some point. In many cases, early evaluation can simplify and improve treatment. At Petrous Orthodontics, we can examine your child’s smile and let you know whether braces or other orthodontic care may be helpful now or in the future.
Overbite, crowding, and mouth breathing are some of the more obvious signs, but others can be easy to miss. Here is what to look for when deciding if it is time to schedule a consultation.
Some orthodontic issues are easy to spot, while others are more subtle. You can tell if your child has crooked or overlapping teeth, but bite issues like a crossbite or back-of-mouth misalignment can be more complex to spot.
Even minor problems can progress as your child grows. Early monitoring helps us address changes before they become more complex. The goal is not perfection, but comfort, balance, and long-term oral health.
Here are some signs that your child may need braces or an orthodontic evaluation:
If you notice one or more of these, it does not always mean your child will need braces, but it is a good idea to schedule a consultation to see how their smile is developing.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7. That may sound early, but at this stage, your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and the jaws are growing rapidly.
Seeing an orthodontist early allows us to monitor growth and guide jaw and tooth development. In some cases, significant bite or jaw misalignment can contribute to difficulties with chewing, mouth breathing, or speech. Early evaluation allows us to make small adjustments before they become larger issues.
You can learn more about how early monitoring and guidance shape healthy jaw growth on our Early Prevention page.
Not every child will need treatment right away, but an early visit helps create a baseline for future growth.
At Petrous Orthodontics, we believe in prevention and early guidance. For some children, we use what is called two-phase orthodontic treatment, which helps align the jaws and teeth in stages as they grow.
Phase One treatment usually begins around ages 7 to 9. This is when we can influence jaw growth, create space for incoming teeth, and correct early bite problems.
Think of it like gently guiding a ship back on course before it drifts too far. Early treatment allows us to support natural growth rather than wait until problems become more complicated.
During this phase, we may use appliances such as:
These gentle, preventive treatments help reduce the need for more extensive work later.
Once most of the permanent teeth have come in, usually between ages 11 and 13, we may begin braces or clear aligner treatment to fine-tune alignment. Thanks to the early work completed in Phase One, this second stage is often shorter and easier.
Braces or aligners can correct a variety of alignment issues, such as:
You can explore our full orthodontic options, including traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners, to see how each approach supports different treatment needs.
Not every child will need both phases, but early assessment helps us choose the most efficient plan for your child’s needs.
Every child’s smile develops uniquely. Early orthodontic visits are not just about appearance but about ensuring the jaws and teeth grow in a balanced, healthy way. Addressing alignment issues early can make it easier for your child to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and keep their teeth clean.
At Petrous Orthodontics, we specialize in gentle, effective orthodontic care for children. A proactive approach helps prevent bigger challenges later and gives your child the confidence to keep smiling.
If your child is ready for an orthodontic evaluation in Royal Oak, MI, schedule an appointment with Petrous Orthodontics today. We will take the time to explain our findings, answer your questions, and create a plan that supports your child’s best smile.
Not every child does. Some may only need braces once their permanent teeth have come in, while others may benefit from early Phase One care. We will evaluate your child and explain which approach is best for their smile.
Occasionally, yes. If alignment issues are significant, we can place limited braces on certain baby teeth to guide the bite and jaw growth. However, most children begin braces once most of their permanent teeth have erupted, usually between ages 11 and 13.
Not necessarily. Early treatment can help prevent more complex problems later, potentially reducing overall costs. We will review all options, fees, and insurance coverage before starting any care so you can make the best decision for your family.
Yes. If you notice signs such as crooked baby teeth, difficulty chewing, or breathing concerns, you can schedule a consultation sooner. We can assess growth patterns and decide if early monitoring or treatment would be helpful.
No. While a straight smile looks great, orthodontic care focuses on improving how the teeth and jaws work together. This can help make chewing, speaking, and cleaning the teeth easier, which supports long-term oral health.
Home
Design, video, photo, and branding by Clear Partnering Group.
