Orthodonticsfor Children

Orthodontic assessment in children involves much more than checking whether the teeth are straight. Tooth eruption, development of the upper and lower jaws, bite relationships and overall facial growth are evaluated together as part of the orthodontic examination.

Identifying certain orthodontic problems during growth and development can help determine the most appropriate timing for treatment. However, an early orthodontic examination does not mean that every child needs immediate treatment. In some cases, periodic monitoring may be the most appropriate approach.

During orthodontic assessments carried out by Orthodontist Çağrı Şibal in Izmir, dental development, jaw relationships and the child's stage of growth are evaluated together in order to determine an individualized monitoring or treatment approach.

What Is Children’s Orthodontics?

Children’s orthodontics involves the evaluation of the teeth, jaws and bite relationships in children who are still growing and developing.

Orthodontic assessment during this period allows tooth eruption, existing or developing crowding, jaw relationships and bite problems to be monitored.

The purpose is not only to identify an existing problem, but also to evaluate how that problem may develop as the child grows.

When Should a Child Have Their First Orthodontic Examination?

The appropriate time for orthodontic assessment is not the same for every child. It depends on tooth eruption, jaw development, bite relationships and any existing orthodontic concerns.

The mixed dentition stage, when primary teeth are gradually being replaced by permanent teeth, is one of the periods in which many orthodontic problems can be evaluated more clearly.

However, earlier assessment may be appropriate if there is an obvious bite problem, a difference in jaw development or a concern regarding the eruption of the teeth.

Why Is Early Orthodontic Assessment Important?

Timing can be important when managing certain orthodontic problems in children who are still growing.

In some conditions involving jaw development, the remaining growth potential may be considered as part of treatment planning. In other cases, the eruption of permanent teeth may simply need to be monitored.

Early assessment helps distinguish between problems that may require intervention and those that can be followed without immediate treatment.

Does Every Child Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?

No. Having an orthodontic examination at an early age does not mean that early treatment is necessary for every child.

In some cases, it may be appropriate to wait for more permanent teeth to erupt or for growth to reach a particular stage. In others, earlier intervention may be considered to address a developing problem or to manage jaw growth.

Treatment timing is determined individually according to the nature of the orthodontic problem and the child's stage of growth and development.

What Orthodontic Problems Can Occur in Children?

Children may develop a variety of dental and jaw-related orthodontic problems.

Dental crowding, irregular spacing, crossbite, differences in the relationship between the upper and lower jaws, narrow jaws and problems with the eruption of permanent teeth may all require orthodontic assessment.

These problems do not all require the same treatment approach. Whether a condition should be monitored or treated is determined following a clinical orthodontic evaluation.

How Is Dental Crowding Evaluated in Children?

Dental crowding may occur when there is not enough space within the dental arch for the teeth or when erupting teeth are unable to move into appropriate positions.

When crowding is evaluated in children, the orthodontist considers not only the visible teeth but also unerupted permanent teeth and the amount of space available within the jaws.

In some children, the situation may simply be monitored, while in others, space management or additional orthodontic approaches may be considered.

What Is a Crossbite?

A crossbite is a bite problem in which one or more upper teeth do not meet the lower teeth in the expected relationship.

The problem may involve a single tooth, a group of teeth or the relationship between the jaws. For this reason, when a crossbite is identified, it is important to determine whether the cause is primarily dental or related to jaw development.

The appropriate treatment method and timing depend on the child's age, growth status and the characteristics of the bite problem.

How Is a Narrow Jaw Evaluated in Children?

A narrow jaw can affect the amount of space available for the teeth and the bite relationship between the upper and lower dental arches.

The fact that a child is still growing can be an important factor when evaluating certain problems involving jaw width.

Whether expansion or another orthodontic approach is required is determined through clinical examination and appropriate orthodontic records.

Why Is Upper and Lower Jaw Development Monitored in Children?

The direction of growth of the upper and lower jaws and the relationship between them are important components of a child's bite development.

A lower jaw that is positioned further back or forward, or differences in the development of the upper jaw, may affect orthodontic treatment planning.

In suitable growing patients, treatment approaches aimed at managing jaw relationships may be considered. However, the same appliance or treatment method is not appropriate for every child.

Removable Orthodontic Appliances for Children

Removable orthodontic appliances may be used in suitable children to address specific dental or jaw-related problems.

The purpose, design and duration of use depend on the individual condition. Some appliances are used for particular tooth movements, while others may assist in the management of jaw relationships during growth.

For treatment to progress as planned, the appliance needs to be worn according to the recommended schedule.

What Are Functional Appliances Used for in Children?

Functional appliances may be considered in suitable growing children as part of the management of upper and lower jaw relationships.

Whether these appliances are appropriate depends on the child's growth potential, jaw relationship and existing orthodontic problem.

Timing is particularly important in functional treatment. The child's stage of growth and development therefore needs to be evaluated by an orthodontist.

Braces Treatment for Children

Fixed braces may be used in children and adolescents to correct different orthodontic problems.

Brackets and orthodontic wires are placed on the teeth to guide them gradually toward the positions defined in the treatment plan.

The decision about when to begin braces treatment is not based on age alone. The eruption of permanent teeth, the orthodontic problem and jaw development are considered together.

Should Treatment Wait Until All Permanent Teeth Have Erupted?

It is not necessary to wait for all permanent teeth to erupt in every orthodontic problem.

Some conditions may benefit from earlier intervention, while in other cases it may be more appropriate to wait for additional permanent teeth to erupt before active orthodontic treatment begins.

For this reason, the idea that all permanent teeth must appear before seeing an orthodontist is not appropriate for every child. Timing should be determined according to the individual problem.

Can Thumb Sucking and Mouth Breathing Affect Orthodontic Development?

Certain oral habits that continue for an extended period may influence the development of the teeth and jaw relationships.

Thumb sucking, an inappropriate tongue position or persistent mouth breathing may be considered during orthodontic assessment.

The possible effects of these habits and the appropriate approach depend on the child's age, the duration of the habit and the existing dental and jaw relationships.

Regular Orthodontic Monitoring in Children

Active treatment does not need to begin in every child following an orthodontic assessment. Periodic monitoring may be more appropriate in some cases.

During follow-up visits, eruption of the permanent teeth, jaw development and changes in bite relationships can be evaluated.

This allows active treatment, if required, to be started at a more appropriate stage of dental and skeletal development.

Children’s Orthodontics in Izmir

In children, appropriate timing, consideration of growth and development and avoiding unnecessary early intervention are important parts of orthodontic treatment planning.

For children attending an orthodontic assessment in Izmir, Orthodontist Çağrı Şibal evaluates tooth eruption, bite relationships, upper and lower jaw development and the existing orthodontic problem together.

Depending on the child's individual needs, the treatment approach may involve regular monitoring, removable or functional appliances, fixed orthodontic treatment or other orthodontic methods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Orthodontics

When should I take my child to an orthodontist?

The appropriate timing depends on the child's dental development and any existing orthodontic concerns. If an obvious dental or jaw-related problem is noticed, orthodontic assessment should not necessarily be delayed.

Are braces fitted at the first appointment?

No. The purpose of the first examination is to evaluate dental and jaw development. If treatment is not currently required, the child may simply be monitored at appropriate intervals.

Can a narrow jaw be treated in children?

A narrow jaw can be evaluated orthodontically in children who are at an appropriate stage of growth and development. The treatment method depends on the nature of the problem and the child's developmental stage.

Can orthodontic treatment begin before all permanent teeth have erupted?

Yes, in some orthodontic problems it may not be necessary to wait for every permanent tooth to erupt. Treatment timing is determined according to the individual condition.

Can clear aligners be used in children?

Clear aligner treatment may be considered in suitable children and adolescents. The treatment method should be selected according to the orthodontic problem, dental development and the child's ability to follow the prescribed treatment protocol.

Why are orthodontic check-ups important during childhood?

Orthodontic assessment allows tooth eruption, bite relationships and jaw development to be monitored. If treatment becomes necessary, the timing can then be planned more appropriately.

Content Last Updated: 1 September 2026

Content Reviewed By: Orthodontist Çağrı Şibal

This content has been prepared for general informational purposes and does not replace a clinical diagnosis or personalized treatment recommendation. The need for orthodontic monitoring or treatment in children is determined following a clinical examination, evaluation of dental and jaw development, necessary diagnostic records and individualized orthodontic planning.