If you’re a parent wondering whether your child needs braces, even though they still have some baby teeth, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common dental questions parents of young children have. The good news? Yes, you can get braces with baby teeth, and in many cases, early orthodontic treatment is actually the smartest move.
Let’s talk about why that is, how it works, and what to expect if your child still has baby teeth but might be ready for braces.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Also called Phase 1 treatment, early orthodontic care usually starts between the ages of 6 and 10, while a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. This stage is focused more on guiding jaw and facial development than perfectly aligning every tooth.
Early treatment can help prevent serious problems later. It can gently guide jaw growth, open space for incoming adult teeth, and reduce the need for tooth extractions or jaw surgery down the line. It also gives your child the chance to develop a more balanced bite while they’re growing. A well-aligned bite can make everyday things like chewing, speaking, and smiling more comfortable and natural as they grow.
Should You Consider Braces with Baby Teeth?
It might seem strange to start braces while some teeth are still temporary, but there are good reasons to do so. One big advantage is that younger children’s bones are still growing, which makes it easier to guide the jaw into proper alignment. Addressing issues early can also create more room for adult teeth to come in properly and help avoid overcrowding.
In some cases, early braces can help with speech development, reduce the risk of trauma to protruding teeth, and even give kids a boost of confidence during their elementary school years. A straighter smile early on can also mean less anxiety in social settings like school pictures or class presentations.
What Do Braces Look Like With Baby Teeth?
Braces for younger kids don’t always look like full traditional braces. Depending on your child’s needs, the orthodontist might place a small set of braces on just a few front teeth. In other cases, they may use different appliances like space maintainers or expanders that help widen the upper jaw.
This gentle approach helps guide teeth and jaws into better alignment over time. Once your child has most or all of their adult teeth, the orthodontist will check in again to see if a second round of treatment is needed. That second phase, if it’s needed, is often shorter and simpler thanks to the early work already done.
Could Early Braces Help My Child?
Every child is unique, but there are some early signs that a child might benefit from orthodontic treatment before all their baby teeth fall out. These include noticeable crowding, early loss of baby teeth, and issues with bite alignment like an underbite or crossbite. Thumb-sucking past age five and speech issues that seem related to jaw alignment may also be signs to look into.
It’s recommended to have an orthodontic evaluation by age seven to get a clear picture of how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing. It doesn’t always mean they’ll need braces right away, but it gives you a head start if they do.
What Happens If You Wait?
For some children, it’s fine to wait until all their adult teeth have come in. But when early orthodontic care is needed and delayed, it can lead to more serious issues down the road. Waiting too long may result in longer treatment times, more complicated procedures, and a higher chance that extractions or jaw surgery will be necessary later.
Starting early gives you the best chance to help your child’s teeth grow in correctly.
Schedule an Orthodontic Evaluation For Your Child
Rio Dental & Orthodontics offers expert, compassionate care with four convenient locations in Farmers Branch, Irving, Fort Worth, and Dallas. We provide orthodontic solutions that fit your child’s specific stage of dental growth. Our team includes Spanish-speaking staff and accepts Medicaid at all locations, making high-quality orthodontic care accessible to more families.
Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help your little one build a healthy, confident smile!
