7 Signs Your Child Needs to See an Orthodontist in Denver

Most parents are not sure when the right time is to bring their child to an orthodontist. Your dentist has not said anything is wrong, your child is not in pain, and their smile looks fine to you. So how do you know if there is actually something to look for? These are some of the most common signs your child needs an orthodontist, and why catching them early can make treatment more efficient down the road. As an orthodontist in Denver, this is one of the questions I hear most from parents in Denver and the surrounding areas. Here is the reassuring part- Seeing an orthodontist early does not mean your child is getting braces right away. In many cases, we simply watch and wait. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first check-up by age 7, not because most 7-year-olds need treatment, but because that is when we can spot issues while a child’s jaw is still growing.

What are the signs your child needs an orthodontist?

Below are seven things worth paying attention to. One on its own is not a diagnosis, but if you notice a few of these, it is worth a professional look.

1. Losing baby teeth very early or very late

Baby teeth usually start coming out around age 6. If your child lost teeth much earlier, or is well past 7 and has barely lost any, the timing can affect how the adult teeth come in. Baby teeth act like placeholders, and when that timeline is off, adult teeth sometimes drift into the wrong spots.

2. Crowded, overlapping, or clearly crooked teeth

Some crowding is normal as a mouth grows. If adult teeth are coming in twisted, overlapping, or there simply is not enough room for them, then these are common reasons to get an evaluation. Early treatment can sometimes create space and reduce how much work is needed later.

3. Mouth breathing, snoring, or grinding at night

These can point to more than a stuffy nose. Persistent mouth breathing and loud snoring in a child are worth mentioning, because they can relate to how the jaw and airway are developing. Our orthodontists are trained to evaluate airway and jaw growth, so these signs are something we take seriously rather than brush off.

4. Thumb sucking past the of age 5

Thumb and finger sucking is completely normal in toddlers. When it continues past the age of 5, it can start to push teeth forward and change how the upper and lower grow. If your child is still sucking their thumb regularly, an orthodontist can help you figure out whether it is affecting their development and can recommend other specialists to stop the habit.

5. Difficulty chewing, or teeth that do not meet correctly

If your child struggles to chew their food, complains that chewing is hard, or you notice the top and bottom teeth do not line up the way they should, that is a bite issue worth checking. Underbites, deep bites, and crossbites are often much easier to correct while a child is still growing.

6. Jaws that shift, click, or look off-center

Watch how your child’s jaw moves when they open and close. A jaw that shifts to one side, makes clicking sounds, or looks noticeably off-center can signal a bite that is not developing evenly. Guiding jaw growth at the right age is one of the biggest advantages of an early visit.

7. Teeth that stick out or a smile your child feels shy about

Front teeth that protrude are more likely to get injured during sports and play, and they are one of the more common reasons families come in. If your child has started covering their mouth or feeling self-conscious about their smile, that matters as well. Confidence is a large part of why we do this work.

Why early evaluation helps, even if treatment waits

There is a specific window when a child’s jaw is still growing, and certain problems are far easier to address during this time. The goal of Phase 1, or early interceptive treatment, is to catch the handful of issues that are genuinely easier to fix now, and to keep an eye on everything else. You can read more about how this works on our preventive and interceptive treatment page, and for a fuller look at timing, see our guide on when your child should first see an orthodontist.

A recurring theme of our patient reviews is that we do not recommend braces before your child is ready. We will tell you that, and simply invite you back for periodic growth checks. For children who are candidates to start treatment, options can include early guidance, traditional braces later, or clear aligners designed for younger patients through Invisalign for Kids.

What happens at a first visit

The first orthodontic visit is low pressure and kid-friendly. We look at how the teeth and jaws are coming together, take a few images if needed, answer your questions, and give you an honest read on whether anything needs attention now or later. There is no obligation, and no need to have a referral from your dentist. If you want to know exactly what to expect, our Your First Visit page walks through it step by step.

If you have noticed any of the signs above, or you just want peace of mind, we would love to take a look. You can reach our Lowry office at (303) 366-9090 or contact us to set up a consultation. We see families from Lowry, Central Park, Hilltop, Cherry Creek, Wash Park, Northfield, Park Hill and across the Denver metro area.

Frequently asked questions