Does Your Child Need to Wait Until All Baby Teeth Are Gone for Orthodontic Treatment?
A Guide to Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontic Care
Many parents ask:
“My child is seven or eight and still has baby teeth. Should we wait until all permanent teeth come in before seeing an orthodontist?”
The answer is: not always.
Children’s teeth, jaws, and bite develop continuously as they grow. Baby teeth, permanent teeth, jaw growth, oral habits, and overall dental health are all connected. For some children, an early assessment can help identify potential concerns before they become more complicated later on.
This does not mean every child needs braces at a young age. In fact, many children only need regular monitoring. However, some children may benefit from early guidance during important growth stages.
That is why modern pediatric dental care increasingly involves a team approach, where Pediatric Dentists and Orthodontists work together to create a long-term plan tailored to each child.
Why Do Pediatric Dentists and Orthodontists Work Together?
Baby teeth help children chew and speak, while also maintaining space for permanent teeth. If they are lost too early due to decay, neighboring teeth may shift and affect the eruption of permanent teeth.
Children may also have:
- Crowding or protruding teeth
- Crossbite or underbite
- Delayed eruption
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Mouth breathing or thumb-sucking habits
- Jaw growth concerns
Pediatric Dentists and Orthodontists work together to protect oral health and support healthy dental development.
Early Evaluation Does Not Mean Early Braces
Many parents worry that seeing an orthodontist early automatically means starting treatment immediately.
Actually, the goal of early assessment is not to place braces as soon as possible. It is to understand:
- How the teeth are developing
- Whether the jaws are growing harmoniously
- If there is enough space for permanent teeth
- Whether any habits may affect growth
- If treatment is needed now, later, or simply observation
Some children may benefit from early intervention, while others only need regular follow-up visits. Every child grows differently, and treatment decisions should always be individualized.
When Should Parents Consider an Assessment?
Consider an evaluation if your child has early tooth loss, crowding, bite concerns, delayed eruption, difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, or habits such as thumb-sucking.
Looking Beyond Straight Teeth
Orthodontics is not only about straightening teeth. It is about supporting healthy growth, function, and long-term oral health.
At PureSmile, our Pediatric Dentists and Orthodontists work together to guide children through every stage — from baby teeth to permanent teeth, from cavity prevention to bite development, and from early evaluation to orthodontic treatment when needed.
Because a healthy smile begins with understanding how your child grows.
Book now at one of our Shanghai clinics
If you have questions about your child’s teeth, bite, or oral development, we welcome you to schedule a Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontic consultation and learn more about the options available for your child.
PureSmile
Pediatric Dentistry × Orthodontics
Growing Healthy Smiles Together
