Braces For Kids: 10 Reasons Why Kids Need Braces

Why do kids need braces? Are braces something created by orthodontists to make money? Like the extra-charge-DisneyFastPass-version of dental care for children? Does anyone really need braces?

Some doctors over-prescribe or make premature diagnoses with braces…It’s unfortunate, but there are bad apples in every orchard.

However, the vast majority of the time (90%) there is a very legitimate, clinically documented, and clearly visible reason why some kids, as young as eight, need orthodontic treatment and care. When this happens, we call it malocclusion.

Malocclusion is mostly genetic.

Malocclusion – Malocclusion is a fancy term for all things related to misaligned teeth; teeth growing angled, crooked, and into a too-crowded space.

Your child’s dentist may help to identify some of the orthodontic problems listed below, but if you are ever concerned you should seek the opinion of an orthodontist.

10 Reasons Why Kids Need Braces

The following list of orthodontic problems are some of the most common reasons why kids need braces. If your child is suffering from any of the following problems, orthodontic treatment may be needed. Consider having these concerns addressed by an orthodontic specialist:

1. Crossbites

A crossbite is one of the main reasons why kids need braces. Crossbites occur when the jaw deviates to one side with an improper fit of the upper and lower teeth from left to right or front to back.

Crossbites can lead to worn and chipped teeth, jaw pain, and asymmetric growth of the jaws. Left untreated, the crossbite will require more extensive treatment later in life and significant jaw surgery in the most severe cases.

Crossbite of the Back Teeth

Where the child’s teeth on the top fall inside of the child’s teeth on the bottom

Click here to learn more about orthodontics treatments designed to help fix crossbites.

Crossbite of the Front Teeth

Where the top teeth in the back fall inside of the bottom teeth. Traditional metal braces may be needed to help fix this type of crossbite in a young child.

2. Thumb-sucking

Thumb-sucking habits beginning at the age of seven or older, can be one of the main reasons why kids need braces at a young age. Thumb-sucking habits should be corrected immediately to prevent severe jaw and tooth alignment problems.

3. Permanent teeth that are growing into the wrong spots

For example when the canine teeth grow in high.

4. Underbites

An underbite is when the lower jaw sits forward of the upper jaw.

5. Open bites

An open bite is when the front teeth don’t touch.

6. Deep bites

Deep bites are when the top teeth in front overlap the bottom teeth excessively.

7. Overbites With the Upper Jaw Too Far Forward

An overbite is where the front teeth on top stick out too far.

8. Other Bite Problems

9. Severe crowding which may lead to tooth decay or permanent teeth erupting into poor-quality gum tissue

(This patient has canine teeth growing into poor-quality tissue)

Severe crowding left untreated can lead to many dental problems, including gum disease and difficulty getting the teeth clean. Properly aligned teeth lead to much better oral hygiene for most kids.

10. Missing Permanent Teeth

Do All Kids Need Orthodontic Treatment?

Let me be emphatically clear…

We are not in the business of putting braces on any child who doesn’t need braces. Our office should not be seen as a braces store.

We’re in the business of helping kids and families get this right – to get the right braces (if any are needed), and have a perfect smile and as few oral health problems as possible.

This is about making sure patients are informed (which is why we wrote this guide).

In our office, you’re never told what to do. You’re provided with real information (no medical jargon meant to confuse you) and all your options are explained..

Some kids DO need braces, but not all kids…

In our office, you’re never told what to do. You’re provided with real information (no medical jargon meant to confuse you) and all your options are explained..

Some kids DO need braces, but not all kids…

Some kids may not need to wear braces when very young. There are children who are better served by other orthodontic treatments instead of braces. It is our job to figure out what is or isn’t needed and what options are best (or if there even is a need for your child to have them).

Now, what is the best age to get checked for braces? Read Chapter 2 to find out!