My Child Has Crowding or Gaps—Do They Need Braces?
As parents, one of the first things we notice about our children is their smile. Sometimes, though, that smile might show teeth that are crowded together or spaced farther apart than expected. Naturally, this raises the question: does my child need braces?
What causes crowding or gaps?
Crowding happens when there isn’t enough space in the mouth for all of the teeth to fit properly. This can cause teeth to overlap, twist, or erupt out of place.
Gaps (also called spacing) occur when there’s extra room between teeth. Sometimes this is due to small teeth, missing teeth, or even habits like thumb-sucking.
Both crowding and gaps are common in kids, and they don’t always mean there’s a serious problem—but they can be early signs that orthodontic treatment may help.
Why address these issues early?
Even though your child’s smile will continue to grow and change, crowding and spacing can affect more than just appearance. They can impact:
Bite alignment – how the upper and lower teeth fit together.
Oral hygiene – crowded teeth are harder to brush and floss, increasing the risk of cavities or gum problems.
Speech development – large gaps or misaligned teeth can sometimes affect pronunciation.
Confidence – kids can become self-conscious about their smile, even at a young age.
When should you see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7. At this stage, orthodontists can evaluate the mix of baby and permanent teeth and identify crowding or spacing issues early on.
Early visits don’t always mean braces right away. Sometimes, your orthodontist will simply recommend monitoring your child’s smile as it develops. In other cases, early treatment (like expanders, limited braces, or other appliances) can help guide growth and make comprehensive treatment later much easier.
What are the treatment options?
If your child does need treatment, options may include:
Braces – traditional or clear brackets that gradually guide teeth into alignment.
Phase 1 treatment – early interceptive treatment designed for younger children to address specific growth or spacing concerns.
Clear aligners – in some cases, older children and teens may be candidates for Invisalign® or other aligner systems.
Bottom line
Crowding and gaps are common and not always a cause for concern—but they are worth checking out. An orthodontic evaluation gives you peace of mind and helps determine if your child needs braces now, later, or not at all.
At Shine Ortho Studio, we love helping families navigate these decisions with honesty and care. Every child’s smile is unique, and we’re here to make sure it shines its brightest.