As parents, we often focus on our child’s general health and development, but oral health plays just as big a role. Sometimes, your child’s teeth may look fine, yet hidden issues could be developing beneath the surface. Identifying potential orthodontic problems early can help avoid complex treatment in the future.
According to Dr. Mohanarajah S/O S.Senathirajah, a Specialist in Orthodontics, “Starting early, often around age 7, gives us the chance to guide jaw growth and tooth eruption before things get more complicated. Even if no treatment is needed right away, an early assessment helps parents understand what to expect and plan ahead.”
Why Parents in Singapore Should Consider Early Orthodontic Screening
Orthodontists may choose to observe growth over time, intervene gently when necessary, or provide peace of mind that everything is developing normally. It is about taking the time to plan carefully instead of hastily starting orthodontic treatment, such as braces, clear aligners, or early interceptive treatment.
6 Early Signs to Look Out for Before Seeing an Orthodontist
Parents can watch for simple, everyday indicators at home. Dr. Mohan shares some practical signs that may suggest the need for an orthodontic evaluation.
1. Crowded or Gapped Teeth
Look closely at your child’s smile. Are some teeth overlapping or pushing out of position? Do you notice wide gaps between others? These are not just aesthetic concerns. Crowding can make brushing and flossing difficult, increasing the risk of cavities or gum problems. Gaps might indicate that permanent teeth lack proper guidance during eruption or that the jaw has more space than needed, which could affect future alignment.
2. Difficulty Biting or Chewing
Does your child avoid foods like apples, carrots, or meats that require more effort to chew? Or are they taking a long time to finish their meals? They might be experiencing discomfort or misalignment when biting down.
A bite that does not line up properly, such as when the upper and lower teeth do not meet evenly, can affect how your child chews, speaks, and even digests food. Long-term, this kind of bite imbalance can also strain the jaw muscles and joints.
3. Mouth Breathing or Persistent Thumb Sucking
Habits that continue beyond the preschool years can influence jaw growth and tooth position.Pay attention to how your child breathes when resting or sleeping. If they regularly breathe through their mouth or have continued thumb-sucking beyond the toddler stage, these habits may be affecting their oral development.
Chronic mouth breathing can influence jaw shape and lead to narrow dental arches, while prolonged pressure from the thumb can narrow or raise the palate, leading to crowding of teeth and breathing issues.
4. Early or Delayed Loss of Baby Teeth
Every child’s dental timeline is unique, but significant delays or early loss of baby teeth could be a red flag. Losing baby teeth too early might allow nearby teeth to drift into the empty space, creating challenges for permanent teeth to erupt properly.
On the other hand, if baby teeth remain in place longer than expected, they can block adult teeth or cause them to erupt in the wrong direction. Either scenario may benefit from early orthodontic evaluation to guide proper spacing.
5. Speech Issues
Listen for unclear speech, difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, or a noticeable lisp. These issues can sometimes be linked to the way the teeth and jaws are positioned. Misaligned teeth or bite problems may affect tongue placement, making it harder for your child to pronounce words clearly.
6. Frequent Biting of Lips or Cheeks
If your child often bites the inside of their cheeks or lips while eating or speaking, it may be more than just clumsiness. This habit can be a sign of a bite misalignment where the teeth do not meet properly, causing soft tissue to get caught between them. Over time, this can lead to discomfort or sores and may require orthodontic evaluation.
Dr. Mohan notes, “Not all of these mean treatment is required straightaway, but they are good reasons to schedule a check-up.”
How Early Intervention Supports Your Child’s Oral Health
Early orthodontic care focuses on guiding growth rather than correcting severe issues later.
According to Dr. Mohan, early intervention in orthodontics isn’t just about aesthetics—it lays the foundation for long-term oral health. “Starting treatment at the right age allows us to make space for adult teeth, improve jaw development, and sometimes prevent more complex treatments in the teenage years.”
Some key benefits of early intervention include:
- Creating space for permanent teeth to erupt correctly, reducing the need for extractions later
- Correcting bite issues such as crossbites before they worsen
- Managing harmful habits like thumb-sucking early
- Supporting facial balance and healthy jaw development
- Lowering the risk of injury to protruding teeth
- Helping children feel more at ease with their developing smile.
Orthodontic Solutions for Your Growing Child
Orthodontists have several approaches to guide a child’s developing smile. Here are some commonly recommended options:
Braces
Traditional braces remain a reliable choice for moderate to severe alignment and bite issues. They use brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into position and are effective when precise control over tooth movement is required.
Removable Appliances
Devices such as expanders or space maintainers are often used during the early mixed-dentition phase. They help guide jaw growth, create space for incoming permanent teeth, or prevent teeth from shifting out of place.
Clear Aligner Systems
Clear aligners are becoming more common for younger patients. It is often recommended for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite concerns, offering comfort and easier oral hygiene compared to braces.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit
The first visit is typically simple and stress-free. Dr. Mohan reassures, “It’s a relaxed and informative appointment designed to give parents clarity without any pressure to start treatment.”
Here’s what usually happens:
- A friendly discussion about your child’s dental and medical history
- A gentle examination of the teeth, jaws, and bite
- X-rays or digital scans, if needed, to check how the teeth and jaws are developing
- A clear explanation of whether treatment is needed now, later, or not at all
Help Support Your Child’s Dental Development From An Early Age
Early orthodontic screening helps guide healthy jaw and tooth development, often making later treatment simpler and less invasive. Parents should look out for signs such as crowding, chewing difficulties, prolonged thumb-sucking, or delayed tooth loss. Even if treatment is not required immediately, an early check-up offers reassurance and a clear plan for the future.
Dr. Mohan reminds parents, “The goal is to guide growth, not to over-treat. A simple assessment at the right age can set the foundation for a healthy, confident smile.”
Early interceptive treatments are available at Q & M clinics. Speak to your dentist to learn what’s best for your child.
About Dr. Mohanarajah S/O S.Senathirajah
Dr Mohan is a Specialist in Orthodontics on the Ministry of Health Specialist registry. He received his Master’s of Dental Surgery in Orthodontics from the National University of Singapore and is a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine Singapore and a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. He is the President of the College of Dental Surgeons (2025–2027) and was formerly President of the Association of Orthodontists (Singapore).
