It’s completely normal for parents to wonder whether their child may need orthodontic treatment, especially when the adult teeth start coming through. Detecting any issues early on is key to preventing more serious problems later.
At Clínica Dental Estepona, we explain clearly and simply when it’s a good idea to have a check-up – and what signs might suggest your little one could benefit from orthodontics.
1. Teeth that are too crowded or too far apart
If your child’s teeth are overlapping, very close together, or have large gaps between them, it’s worth booking a check-up. Sometimes this happens because the jaw bones aren’t developing properly – and the sooner it’s identified, the better.
2. Difficulty chewing or closing the mouth
If your child only chews on one side, often bites their cheeks, or struggles to close their mouth properly, there may be a misalignment in how their teeth fit together. These issues can also affect speech or the development of facial muscles.
3. Bite problems
There are different types of bite issues that should be monitored:
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Crossbite: the upper teeth bite inside the lower ones.
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Open bite: the front teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed.
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Deep bite: the upper teeth cover the lower teeth too much.
These problems aren’t always visible at first glance, but over time they can affect both dental health and facial growth.
4. Mouth breathing
If your child regularly sleeps with their mouth open, snores often, or gets frequent respiratory infections, they may be breathing through their mouth rather than their nose. This can affect how the palate forms and how the teeth are positioned.
5. Prolonged dummy use or thumb sucking
Habits like using a dummy past the age of 2 or 3, or sucking the thumb for a long time, can cause the teeth to shift out of place or affect how the jaw bones grow. In these cases, an early orthodontic assessment can help prevent future complications.
When should the first orthodontic check-up take place?
We recommend a first orthodontic assessment between the ages of 6 and 7, once the first permanent molars have come through. At this stage, we can already see how the mouth is developing and whether any correction might be needed.
At Clínica Dental Estepona, all assessments are completely personalised. Not every child will need treatment – but if they do, the earlier we catch it, the better.
Treatments for every stage
We offer orthodontic options tailored to each age group:
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For younger children, we use early, gentle treatments to help guide natural development.
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For teenagers, we provide more discreet and aesthetic options, such as clear brackets or invisible aligners like Invisalign, which straighten teeth with minimal visual impact.
Book a free first consultation
If you think your child may need braces, don’t hesitate to book a free initial consultation. We’ll assess their case with the care they deserve and let you know whether action is needed or simply a follow-up.
Contact us or book online here.
