As a parent, watching your child grow involves keeping an eye on everything—from their height to their shoe size. But one area that often causes confusion is their smile. You might notice a crooked tooth or a gap and wonder: “Is this just a phase, or does my child need braces?”
At Croydon Dental Practice (home to our specialist department, Addiscombe Orthodontics), we know that timing is everything. Catching orthodontic issues early can save time, money, and prevent more complex treatment later in life.
In this guide, our specialist team explains the key signs to look for and the best age to book that first orthodontic assessment.
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
There is a common myth that you should wait until all of a child’s baby teeth have fallen out before visiting an orthodontist. This is actually too late for some treatments.
The British Orthodontic Society and dental experts worldwide recommend that children have their first orthodontic check-up by age 7.
Why age 7? At this stage, your child has a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. This allows our specialist orthodontists to see how the jaw is developing and spot potential issues—like overcrowding or bite misalignment—before they become serious problems.
7 Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Treatment
While only a specialist can give a definitive diagnosis, there are several “red flags” you can look for at home. If you notice any of these signs, we recommend booking a consultation at our Lower Addiscombe Road practice.
1. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
Most children start losing baby teeth around age 5 or 6 and finish by age 12. If your child loses teeth much earlier (due to decay or trauma) or much later, it can affect the spacing for adult teeth.
2. Crowded or Misplaced Teeth
This is the most obvious sign. If adult teeth are coming in sideways, overlapping, or look “bunched up,” it usually means the jaw is too small to accommodate them. Early intervention can sometimes help widen the arch to make room without the need for extraction later.
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3. Protruding Teeth (“Buck Teeth”)
If the upper teeth stick out significantly, they are prone to injury from falls or sports. Orthodontic treatment can guide these teeth back into a safe, aesthetic position.
4. Difficulty Chewing or Biting
Does your child chew on the side of their mouth or struggle to bite into an apple? Misaligned jaws can make eating uncomfortable. If the teeth don’t meet correctly, it puts stress on the jaw joint.
5. Thumb Sucking or Dummy Use Past Age 3
While harmless in babies, prolonged thumb sucking can push the front teeth forward and narrow the upper jaw. If your child is still sucking their thumb while adult teeth are erupting, an orthodontic assessment is crucial to limit the damage.
6. Mouth Breathing
If your child consistently breathes through their mouth rather than their nose, it can actually alter the shape of their face and jaw, often leading to a narrower upper arch and crowding.
7. Jaws That Shift or Make Sounds
If you hear clicking sounds when your child opens their mouth, or if their jaw seems to shift to the left or right when they close it (a crossbite), this indicates a structural issue that needs correction.
The Benefits of Early “Interceptive” Treatment
Bringing your child to Addiscombe Orthodontics early doesn’t always mean they will get braces immediately. In fact, we might simply place them on a “monitoring list” to check them every 6-12 months.
However, if we do spot a severe issue, we can use Interceptive Orthodontics. This might involve using simple appliances to guide jaw growth while the child is still growing. This can:
- Create room for crowded teeth.
- Preserve space for unerupted teeth.
- Reduce the need for tooth removal later.
- Shorten the time they need to wear braces as a teenager.
NHS vs. Private Orthodontics in Croydon: What You Need to Know
We are proud to offer both NHS and private orthodontic options for families in Croydon, Shirley, and South Norwood.
- NHS Treatment: Available for children under 18 with a clear clinical need for treatment (assessed using the IOTN rating system). NHS treatment typically uses standard metal braces.
- Private Treatment: If your child does not qualify for NHS funding, or if you prefer more discreet options like Invisalign Teen or Ceramic Braces, we offer flexible private plans.
Read more about our Orthodontic Services here.
If you are concerned about your child’s teeth, don’t guess—get a professional opinion. Our friendly team at Addiscombe Orthodontics is experienced in making children feel comfortable and safe.
We are conveniently located near the Addiscombe Tram Stop, making visits easy for local families.
Book your child’s orthodontic assessment today.
📞 Call us: 020 8656 6959 📍 Visit us: 202 Lower Addiscombe Rd, Croydon, CR0 7AB 📅 Click Here to Contact Us Online