10 Signs Your Child May Need Braces – By Top Kids Dentist in Reseda

As a parent, you want your child’s smile to be healthy, confident, and long-lasting. Orthodontic treatment (like braces or clear aligners) isn’t just about straight teeth—it can improve chewing, speech, sleep quality, and jaw development. If you’re in the San Fernando Valley and wondering whether it’s time to see an orthodontic professional, this guide from the top pediatric dental team in Reseda will help you spot the most common signs that your child may need braces—and what to do next.

To know more visit us at www.abckidsdentalla.com

Why Early Evaluation Matters

Orthodontists and pediatric dentists commonly recommend an initial orthodontic evaluation around age 7. At this stage, your child has a mix of baby and adult teeth, and early issues in jaw width, bite relationships, and tooth eruption can be detected. Early detection doesn’t always mean early treatment—but it does allow your dentist to guide growth, create space for incoming teeth, and prevent more complex problems later.

1) Crowded or Overlapping Teeth

If teeth overlap, twist, or fight for space, it’s a classic sign that your child may benefit from braces. Crowding can make brushing and flossing difficult, increasing the risk of cavities and gum inflammation. Guided expansion or timely braces can create room for adult teeth to erupt into healthy positions—and make oral hygiene much easier.

Parent tip: Look for plaque build-up between tightly packed teeth despite regular brushing.

2) Excessive Spacing or Gaps

While some spacing is normal (especially when baby teeth are still present), large gaps between front teeth or persistent spacing as adult teeth come in could indicate issues with tooth size, missing teeth, or a thick labial frenum (the tissue between the lips and gums). Braces or aligners can gently close spaces, improving both function and appearance.

3) Overbite (Deep Bite)

If the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth, your child may have a deep bite. This can lead to lower teeth biting into the palate, gum irritation, abnormal wear, and potential jaw strain. Orthodontic treatment can correct the vertical overlap and protect tooth enamel.

Quick check: In photos, do the lower front teeth disappear completely behind the uppers? That’s a cue to book an evaluation.

4) Underbite

When the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth, it’s called an underbite. Underbites may stem from jaw growth patterns or tooth positioning and can affect chewing, speech, and facial balance. Early orthopedic guidance (e.g., expanders, facemasks) often works best while the jaws are still growing.

5) Crossbite (Front or Back)

A crossbite occurs when upper teeth bite inside lower teeth. It can involve front teeth, back teeth, or both. Crossbites may cause asymmetric jaw growth, enamel wear, gum recession, and chewing difficulties. Correcting crossbites early (sometimes with simple appliances) helps prevent the jaw from growing off-center.

6) Open Bite (Front Teeth Don’t Touch)

If your child’s upper and lower front teeth don’t meet when biting, that’s an open bite. It often appears in kids with extended thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits, but it can also be skeletal. Open bites make biting into foods tricky and may affect speech. Habit counseling plus orthodontics can close the bite and restore function.

7) Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth

Baby teeth that fall out much earlier or much later than expected can disrupt the path for adult teeth. Early loss may trigger drifting and crowding; late loss can block adult teeth from erupting on time. Your pediatric dentist might recommend space maintainers or a guided plan to keep eruption on track.

8) Difficulty Chewing or Biting

Watch your child at mealtimes. Do they cut food into tiny pieces, chew on one side, or avoid certain textures? Discomfort, uneven wear, or frequent cheek/tongue biting may signal a malocclusion (bad bite). An orthodontic check can clarify whether alignment or jaw growth patterns are to blame.

9) Mouth Breathing, Snoring, or Jaw Shifting

Habitual mouth breathing and snoring can indicate airway challenges linked with narrow palates or jaw positions. Some children also shift their jaw to “find” a comfortable bite, which may point to crossbite or crowding. Orthodontic expansion and bite correction can support better nasal breathing and healthier facial growth.

10) Speech Concerns or Jaw Clicking

Lisping, certain articulation issues, or jaw clicking can correlate with bite discrepancies or joint strain. While speech therapy may help, it’s worth evaluating the bite as part of a comprehensive plan.

What to Expect at Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation

At ABC Kids Dental Group – Reseda, your child’s visit is friendly, thorough, and kid-centric:

1. Comprehensive exam – We review dental history, growth patterns, and current concerns.

2. Digital X-rays & photos – Low-radiation imaging helps us see tooth roots, developing adult teeth, and jaw structure.

3. Bite analysis – We evaluate overbite/underbite, crossbite, spacing, and crowding.

4. Personalized plan – If treatment is recommended, we discuss timing, options (braces vs. clear aligners), estimated length, and costs/insurance.

FAQs Parents Ask Us in Reseda

Will my child definitely need braces?
Not always. Some kids only need monitoring; others benefit from brief interceptive steps that simplify later treatment.

How long does treatment take?
Most comprehensive cases run 12–24 months, depending on complexity and cooperation (wearing elastics, aligners, etc.).

Are braces painful?
Expect mild soreness for a few days after adjustments or new aligners. Over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods help.

How much do braces cost?
Costs vary by case and coverage. We accept many insurance plans and offer flexible payment options.

Why Families Choose ABC Kids Dental Group in Reseda

• Kid-first care: Gentle, patient, and encouraging—ideal for anxious little ones.

• One roof convenience: Pediatric dentistry and orthodontic guidance in a single location.

• Modern tech: Digital X-rays, photo records, and clear treatment plans you can understand.

• Local & accessible: Convenient hours for busy families in Reseda and nearby areas.

External Resource for Parents

For a national overview on early orthodontic evaluation and why timing matters, see the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Their parent guides explain what to expect and how early checks can simplify care.

Final Word from Our Reseda Team

Straight teeth are wonderful—but a healthy bite is the real foundation of a lifelong smile. If your child is showing signs of crowding, spacing, crossbite, or bite imbalance, we’re here to help with compassionate, personalized care. Let’s give your child the comfort, confidence, and function they deserve.

Connect With Us

ABC Kids Dental Group – Reseda

Website: www.abckidsdentalla.com
Address: 18235 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335
Phone: 818-401-6777