Medically Reviewed by Esteem Dental And Orthodontic Team on July 3, 2025
Does your child’s smile seem to be developing differently from their peers? While every child’s dental development follows its own unique timeline, certain signs may indicate it’s time for a professional orthodontic evaluation. Recognizing these warning signs early can lead to simpler, more effective treatments and potentially prevent more complex issues down the road.
At Esteem Dental, our experienced team provides comprehensive orthodontic care for children throughout Lake Nona and Winter Garden. Our multi-specialty practice makes it easy for families to access all the dental services they need under one roof, from pediatric dentistry to orthodontic treatments designed specifically for growing smiles.
Early Warning Signs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Orthodontic issues can become apparent at various stages of childhood development. Recognizing these potential red flags can help you determine when it’s time to schedule an orthodontic consultation for your child:
1. Noticeably Crooked Teeth
As your child’s permanent teeth emerge, they should generally come in straight. If you notice significant crookedness, rotations, or overlapping teeth, this may indicate future alignment problems. Early intervention can often guide these teeth into better positions as your child continues to grow and develop.
2. Difficulty Chewing or Biting
Does your child struggle while eating certain foods? Difficulty chewing or biting may signal a misalignment between upper and lower teeth. When teeth don’t come together properly (malocclusion), it can affect both eating habits and speech development.
3. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
Most children follow a fairly predictable pattern when losing their baby teeth. Significant deviations from this pattern, such as losing teeth very early (before age 5) or retaining baby teeth much longer than normal, may impact how permanent teeth emerge and align.
4. Mouth Breathing or Snoring
Children who consistently breathe through their mouths or snore during sleep may have underlying orthodontic issues that affect their airway. Narrow dental arches or a retruded jaw can contribute to these breathing difficulties, which orthodontic treatment may help address.
Additional Signs That Warrant an Evaluation
Beyond the most common warning signs, several other indicators may suggest your child would benefit from seeing a pediatric orthodontist:
- Thumb sucking or pacifier use beyond age 5
- Teeth that don’t meet when your child bites down
- Jaws that shift, make sounds, or appear asymmetrical
- Periodic biting of the cheek or the roof of the mouth
- Teeth that appear crowded or with unusual spacing
- Facial asymmetry or disproportionate facial features
It’s important to remember that some of these issues may resolve naturally as your child grows. However, having a professional assessment can provide peace of mind and establish a baseline for monitoring development.
When Should Your Child Have Their First Orthodontic Check-up?
The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children get their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. By this age, most children have baby teeth and permanent teeth, allowing orthodontists to spot developing problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth.
This initial consultation doesn’t mean treatment will begin immediately. Often, it simply allows the orthodontist to identify potential issues and monitor your child’s development over time. Early detection of problems means more treatment options and potentially shorter, less complicated procedures when the time is right.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention
When orthodontic issues are identified and addressed at the appropriate time, the benefits can be significant:
- Creating space for crowded teeth to emerge properly
- Reducing the risk of damage to protruding front teeth
- Guiding jaw growth to improve facial symmetry
- Simplifying or shortening later treatment needs
- Potentially reducing the likelihood of tooth extractions
- Improving airway function and breathing patterns
- Boosting your child’s self-confidence as they grow
Every child’s orthodontic needs are unique, and treatment recommendations will be tailored specifically to your child’s growth pattern and specific issues.
Schedule Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation
At Esteem Dental, we’re proud to offer exceptional family dental care at both our Lake Nona and Winter Garden locations. Our team, led by Dr. Jordan Jones, provides a welcoming environment where children feel comfortable and parents receive clear information about their child’s orthodontic needs.
As a multi-specialty practice, we make orthodontic treatment convenient for busy families by offering comprehensive care in one location. Whether your child needs simple monitoring, preventive orthodontics, or comprehensive treatment, our experienced team is ready to help them uncover a beautiful, healthy smile. Contact us today at (407) 476-5650 or through our contact form to schedule your child’s orthodontic evaluation.
Dr. Jordan Jones, DDS
Dr. Jordan Jones leads the experienced team at Esteem Dental, providing comprehensive family dental care to the Winter Garden and Lake Nona communities. With a focus on general dentistry, pediatric care, and orthodontics, Dr. Jones combines advanced techniques with a compassionate approach to ensure every patient receives personalized, quality treatment in a comfortable environment.
✓ Medically Reviewed
