Parents often wonder when the right time is to consider braces for their child. At Southern Maine Orthodontics in Gorham, Maine, Dr. Murphy works with families to identify early signs of orthodontic concerns and explain what they mean for a child’s smile and development.
Orthodontic timing is not the same for every child. Some children benefit from early monitoring, while others may need treatment sooner than expected. In this guide, we explain common signs that may indicate your child is ready for braces, why timing matters, and how our team helps parents make informed decisions with confidence.
When should a child see an orthodontist for the first time?
Most children should see an orthodontist by age seven. This early visit does not always mean braces will start right away.
An orthodontic evaluation at this age allows Dr. Murphy to monitor jaw growth, tooth eruption, and bite development. Early checks help identify potential concerns before they become more complex.
Early visits can help with:
- Detecting bite issues
- Monitoring crowding or spacing
- Planning future treatment timing
- Reducing the need for more extensive care later
Why age seven is an important orthodontic milestone?
Many parents are surprised to learn how much orthodontists can evaluate at a young age, even before braces are needed. The article “The Milestone Visit: Why Age 7 is The Best Age For Orthodontic Treatment,” from the American Association of Orthodontists, explains why early orthodontic checkups matter, what orthodontists look for at this stage, and how early monitoring can help guide healthy jaw and tooth development as children grow.
What are common signs a child may need braces?
Several visible and functional signs can indicate that braces may be helpful. These signs often appear gradually as children grow.
Common signs include:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Large gaps between teeth
- Teeth that stick out
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Frequent mouth breathing
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
If you notice one or more of these signs, an orthodontic evaluation can provide clarity.
How does crowding affect a child’s smile?
Crowding happens when there is not enough space for permanent teeth to come in properly. This can cause teeth to overlap or twist.
Crowded teeth can be harder to clean, which may increase the risk of cavities and gum issues. Braces help create space and guide teeth into healthier positions.
At Southern Maine Orthodontics, Dr. Murphy evaluates whether crowding is temporary or likely to worsen over time.
Are gaps between teeth a problem?
Gaps are not always a concern, especially during early childhood. However, persistent spacing may signal alignment or jaw size issues.
Large gaps can affect:
- Speech development
- Chewing efficiency
- Long term tooth alignment
Orthodontic treatment can help close unnecessary gaps while ensuring proper bite balance.
What bite issues may indicate a need for braces?
Bite alignment plays a key role in oral health. Certain bite problems may benefit from orthodontic care.
Common bite concerns include:
- Overbite where upper teeth cover lower teeth too much
- Underbite where lower teeth extend past upper teeth
- Crossbite where teeth do not line up properly
- Open bite where teeth do not touch when biting
Early detection allows for better planning and more predictable outcomes.
How growth and jaw development affect timing?
Children’s jaws grow at different rates. Timing treatment with growth can improve results and reduce treatment length.
Growth based planning can help:
- Correct jaw alignment
- Reduce crowding early
- Improve airway development
- Simplify future treatment
This approach allows orthodontic care to work with natural development rather than against it.
What age do most children get braces?
Most children start braces between ages nine and fourteen. This is when permanent teeth are present and jaw growth is active.
Starting treatment during this window often allows for efficient tooth movement and stable results. However, each child’s needs are unique.
How long do braces usually last for children?
Braces for children typically last 18 to 24 months. Treatment length depends on alignment needs, growth patterns, and cooperation.
Factors that influence treatment time include:
- Severity of misalignment
- Bite correction needs
- Following care instructions
- Attending regular visits
Signs versus observation only care
Not every child with early signs needs immediate treatment. Some conditions improve naturally with growth.
The table below explains when braces may be recommended versus when monitoring is appropriate.
| Observation Only | Braces May Be Recommended |
| Mild spacing | Severe crowding |
| Temporary bite changes | Persistent bite issues |
| Normal growth patterns | Jaw growth concerns |
| Baby teeth still present | Most permanent teeth present |
An orthodontic evaluation helps determine the right approach.
How can parents support healthy orthodontic development?
Parents play an important role in supporting their child’s orthodontic health.
Helpful habits include:
- Encouraging good oral hygiene
- Scheduling regular dental visits
- Monitoring thumb sucking or mouth breathing
- Attending orthodontic checkups as recommended
Early awareness helps prevent small concerns from becoming bigger problems.
Why does choosing a local orthodontist matter?
Local orthodontic care provides consistency and personalized attention. At Southern Maine Orthodontics in Gorham, Maine, families work closely with Dr. Murphy throughout each stage of care.
Being nearby allows for easy follow up visits, timely adjustments, and ongoing communication.
Quick Recap: Key Takeaways
What age should a child see an orthodontist?
Most children benefit from an orthodontic evaluation by age seven.
What are common signs a child may need braces?
Crowding, gaps, bite issues, and chewing difficulty are common signs.
Do early signs mean braces start right away?
Not always. Some children are monitored until the right time.
What age do most children get braces?
Many children start braces between ages nine and fourteen.
Why does orthodontic timing matter?
Proper timing supports growth, improves results, and may shorten treatment.
Helping your child take the next step
Understanding the signs and timing of orthodontic care can help parents feel confident about next steps. At Southern Maine Orthodontics, Dr. Murphy and our team are proud to support families throughout Gorham and nearby Maine communities.
If you have questions about your child’s smile or would like to schedule an orthodontic evaluation, we invite you to contact our Gorham office. We are here to help your child build a healthy, confident smile for the future.