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When parents think about orthodontic problems, they often look for crooked or crowded teeth. But the appearance of the teeth is only part of the picture. A child can have relatively straight teeth while the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly or the jaws are developing unevenly.

A child's bite changes as the jaws grow and permanent teeth come in. Some changes are normal, while others may indicate an orthodontic concern. Knowing what to watch for can help parents recognize when an evaluation may be worthwhile.

What Does It Mean When a Child's Bite Is Developing Incorrectly?

A bite describes how the upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth closes. Problems can occur when certain teeth do not meet properly or when the upper and lower jaws are not developing as expected. These can include overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.

Some bite problems are easy to see, while others are more subtle. A child's front teeth may look straight, for example, while the back teeth do not fit together properly or the lower jaw shifts when the mouth closes.

This is particularly important during childhood because the teeth and jaws are constantly changing as baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth.

What Signs Should Parents Watch For?

Some developing bite problems are visible, while others show up in the way a child eats or closes their mouth. Parents may want to talk with their child's dentist or orthodontist if they notice:

• Difficulty biting or chewing: The child struggles with certain foods, favors one side of the mouth, or seems uncomfortable chewing.
• The jaw shifting when closing: The lower jaw or chin moves noticeably to one side as the child closes their mouth.
• Teeth that don't meet properly: Some teeth remain separated when the mouth is closed, or upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth.
• A noticeable overbite or underbite: The upper or lower front teeth extend significantly beyond the other set.
• Uneven tooth wear: Certain teeth appear to be wearing down more than others.
• Difficulty closing the lips comfortably: The child regularly has trouble bringing their lips together without effort.
• Changes in the bite: The way the teeth fit together appears to change as permanent teeth erupt.

These signs do not necessarily mean a child needs orthodontic treatment. They are simply reasons to take a closer look at how the teeth and jaws are developing.

Can a Child Have a Bite Problem Even If Their Teeth Look Straight?

Yes. An orthodontic evaluation looks at more than whether individual teeth appear straight.

A child may have well-aligned front teeth while developing a crossbite in the back of the mouth. The teeth may also look relatively straight even when the upper and lower jaws have a different relationship than expected.

Because growth can change the bite over time, an orthodontist can evaluate a child's development and determine whether a concern should be treated or simply monitored.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This does not mean a child automatically needs braces. In many cases, an orthodontist may simply recommend monitoring growth and tooth eruption.

When Should Parents Have Their Child's Bite Checked?

Parents should consider an orthodontic evaluation if they notice persistent difficulty chewing, jaw shifting, an unusual overbite or underbite, teeth that do not meet properly, or other changes in the bite. A child's dentist may also recommend an evaluation during a routine dental visit.

At Holt Orthodontics, a complimentary exam includes digital photographs, a panoramic X-ray, and a personal consultation with Dr. Gary Holt. These records help evaluate the developing bite, tooth eruption, jaw relationships, and overall orthodontic needs.

Depending on the child's development, the recommendation may be to begin treatment, continue monitoring, or return for another evaluation later. If treatment is appropriate, Holt Orthodontics offers metal braces, aesthetic braces, and Invisalign.

The Bottom Line

A child's teeth can look straight while their bite is developing incorrectly. Difficulty chewing, jaw shifting, uneven tooth contact, unusual tooth wear, and certain types of overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite can all be reasons to have the bite evaluated.

An evaluation does not automatically mean treatment. It can simply help parents understand how their child's teeth and jaws are developing and whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.

If you're concerned about your child's bite, an orthodontic evaluation can help you understand what is happening and what, if anything, should happen next.

Holt Orthodontics is proud to announce that Dr. Holt has been recognized in the orthodontics category of 5280 Magazine's 2026 Top Dentists list! This recognition celebrates his dedication to providing exceptional orthodontic care and helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.

Each year, 5280 Magazine publishes its Top Dentists list, recognizing dental professionals throughout the Denver metropolitan area. Being included in this annual list is an exciting honor for Dr. Holt and the entire Holt Orthodontics team.

Recognized for Excellence in Orthodontic Care

At Holt Orthodontics, creating beautiful smiles is about more than straightening teeth. It's about building relationships, providing personalized treatment, and helping patients feel confident throughout their orthodontic journey.

Dr. Holt and his team are committed to delivering high-quality orthodontic care in a welcoming, supportive environment where every patient feels valued.

Whether helping a child begin their orthodontic journey, guiding a teenager through treatment, or working with an adult who has always wanted a straighter smile, Holt Orthodontics focuses on providing an exceptional experience from the first consultation to the final results.

This 2026 Top Dentists recognition reflects the dedication to patient care that Dr. Holt brings to his practice every day.

What Is 5280 Magazine's Top Dentists Award?

5280 Magazine is a well-known Denver publication that annually recognizes dental professionals in the region through its Top Dentists list.

The list is developed through a peer-review survey process in which dental professionals nominate colleagues they would recommend for care. The resulting recognition highlights respected dental professionals across multiple specialties, including orthodontics.

For patients and families searching for an orthodontist in the Denver area, the annual Top Dentists list provides another resource when exploring local dental and orthodontic providers. Dr. Holt's inclusion in the 2026 list is a meaningful acknowledgment of his professional reputation and commitment to orthodontic care.

Personalized Orthodontic Treatment for Every Smile

Every smile is unique, and orthodontic treatment should reflect each patient's individual needs, goals, and lifestyle. At Holt Orthodontics, Dr. Holt and his team take the time to understand each patient's concerns, explain available treatment options, and develop a personalized approach to achieving a healthy, beautiful smile.

The practice is dedicated to making orthodontic care a positive experience for children, teens, and adults. From answering questions to celebrating treatment milestones, the Holt Orthodontics team strives to make patients feel comfortable, informed, and confident every step of the way. This patient-centered philosophy is at the heart of the practice and continues to guide its commitment to providing outstanding orthodontic care.

Thank You to Our Patients and Community

While this award recognizes Dr. Holt, it is also an opportunity to celebrate the patients, families, and community who make Holt Orthodontics such a special place.

The entire team is grateful for the trust patients place in the practice and the opportunity to be part of so many smile transformations.

Congratulations to Dr. Holt on being recognized among 5280 Magazine's 2026 Top Dentists in the orthodontics category! This recognition is an exciting milestone and a reminder of the practice's ongoing commitment to helping patients smile with confidence.

Experience Award-Recognized Orthodontic Care at Holt Orthodontics

If you're considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or a family member, Holt Orthodontics is here to help.

Dr. Holt and his team look forward to welcoming new patients, answering questions, and helping individuals and families explore their options for achieving healthier, more confident smiles.

Schedule a consultation with Holt Orthodontics today and discover personalized orthodontic care from a 2026 5280 Magazine Top Dentist.

Crowded teeth are common in children, teens, and adults. While crowding is often considered a cosmetic concern, it can also affect how easily teeth can be cleaned and may occur alongside problems with the bite. That does not mean every case of crowding needs to be corrected right away.

What happens when crowded teeth are left untreated depends on the amount of crowding, the patient's age, and how the teeth and jaws are developing. In some cases, monitoring is appropriate. In others, orthodontic treatment may help prevent or address more significant alignment and bite concerns.

Why Do Teeth Become Crowded?

Crowding occurs when there is not enough space for teeth to align properly. Teeth may overlap, twist, or erupt behind or in front of other teeth. Genetics, tooth size, jaw development, and the timing of permanent tooth eruption can all influence how much room is available.

Crowding is particularly common during the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth. As permanent teeth come in, an orthodontist can evaluate whether there is enough space for them to develop normally or whether there may be an alignment concern.

Crowding can also become noticeable later in life. Teeth naturally shift as we age, and some adults experience increased crowding in the lower front teeth. Changes in alignment do not necessarily mean that treatment is required, but noticeable changes can be worth discussing with an orthodontist.

What Can Happen If Crowded Teeth Are Left Untreated?

Mild crowding may remain relatively stable and may not cause significant problems. More pronounced crowding, however, can make certain areas of the mouth harder to reach with a toothbrush or floss. When teeth overlap or are rotated, maintaining thorough oral hygiene can become more challenging.

Crowding can also occur alongside bite problems, including overbites, underbites, crossbites, or uneven contact between the upper and lower teeth. In these cases, the concern may extend beyond how the smile looks.

Importantly, crowded teeth do not automatically lead to cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems. Good brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits remain essential. An orthodontic evaluation can help determine whether the crowding is primarily an appearance concern or whether it is part of a larger alignment or bite issue.

Can Crowded Teeth Get Worse With Age?

Crowding can change as the teeth and jaws develop, but it is not possible to predict that every case will progressively worsen.

For children, changes often occur as permanent teeth erupt and the jaws continue to grow. This is one reason the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an initial orthodontic evaluation around age 7. An early evaluation does not mean a child needs braces. It gives an orthodontist an opportunity to identify developing concerns and determine whether treatment, monitoring, or no intervention is appropriate.

Adults may also notice their teeth becoming more crowded over time. Natural tooth movement can contribute to changes in alignment, particularly in the lower front teeth.

Because every patient develops differently, an orthodontist can provide a better assessment of whether crowding is likely to remain stable or whether treatment may be beneficial.

Does Crowding Always Need Orthodontic Treatment?

No. The presence of crowded teeth alone does not automatically mean a patient needs braces or Invisalign.

For a child whose permanent teeth are still developing, an orthodontist may recommend monitoring until there is a clearer picture of how the teeth are erupting. In other situations, early treatment may be helpful if there is a specific developmental or bite concern.

Teens and adults with crowding may be candidates for traditional braces, aesthetic braces, or Invisalign. The appropriate treatment depends on the severity of the crowding, the patient's bite, age, and overall treatment goals.

The objective is not simply to make the teeth look straighter. A comprehensive orthodontic plan considers how the teeth fit together and how the alignment can remain stable after treatment.

When Should Crowded Teeth Be Evaluated?

An orthodontic evaluation can be helpful when a child has significant overlapping teeth, permanent teeth are erupting in unusual positions, or there appears to be limited space for developing teeth. Adults may also benefit from an evaluation if they notice increasing crowding or changes in their bite.

At Holt Orthodontics, the complimentary exam includes digital photographs, a panoramic X-ray, and a personal consultation with Dr. Gary Holt. These records allow the orthodontic team to evaluate the teeth, bite, jaw development, and overall orthodontic needs rather than looking at crowding in isolation.

An evaluation also does not automatically mean treatment will begin. Depending on the patient, the recommendation may be to start treatment, monitor development, or simply continue routine dental care.

The Takeaway

Crowded teeth are not always a problem that needs to be corrected immediately. However, significant crowding can make oral hygiene more difficult and may occur alongside bite or developmental concerns. Because tooth alignment can change as children grow and throughout adulthood, the right approach depends on the individual patient.

If you're concerned about crowded teeth in yourself or your child, an orthodontic evaluation can help determine whether treatment or monitoring is the better choice. Holt Orthodontics provides personalized orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults in Littleton, Highlands Ranch, and surrounding South Denver communities.

One of the first questions patients ask when considering orthodontic treatment is, “How long will I have to wear braces or Invisalign?” While treatment at Holt Orthodontics may take approximately one to three years, there is no standard timeline for every patient.

Treatment length depends on several factors, including the complexity of the bite, how much tooth movement is needed, age and growth, the treatment method, and how consistently patients follow their treatment plan.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Usually Take?

Orthodontic treatment can take approximately one to three years, depending on the individual case. Patients with mild spacing or limited crowding may require less time, while more complex cases involving significant crowding, bite problems, or other alignment concerns may take longer.

The goal isn't simply to get braces off as quickly as possible. Teeth need to move gradually while the orthodontist works toward proper alignment, a healthy bite, and a stable result.

What Determines How Long Treatment Will Take?

The condition of the teeth and bite is one of the biggest factors. More extensive tooth movement generally requires more time. Cases involving significant crowding, large spaces, overbites, underbites, crossbites, or rotated teeth may have longer treatment timelines.

Age and growth can also play a role. Children and teenagers are still developing, which can be helpful when addressing certain orthodontic concerns. Adults can also achieve excellent results, but because the jaws are no longer growing, some corrections may require a different approach.

The type of treatment matters as well. Traditional braces use brackets and wires, while Invisalign uses a series of removable clear aligners. Neither option is automatically faster. The appropriate treatment depends on the patient's specific orthodontic needs and goals.

Can Your Habits Affect Treatment Time?

Yes. Patients play an important role in keeping treatment on schedule.

For Invisalign patients, wearing the aligners as directed is particularly important. Because they are removable, frequently taking them out or not wearing them consistently can interfere with planned tooth movement and potentially extend treatment.

Patients with braces also have responsibilities. Keeping scheduled appointments, maintaining good oral hygiene, following dietary instructions, and taking care of brackets and appliances can help prevent unnecessary delays.

Broken appliances or missed appointments can interrupt treatment progress. Staying on schedule allows the orthodontic team to monitor tooth movement and make adjustments when needed.

Does Faster Orthodontic Treatment Mean Better Treatment?

Not necessarily. It can be tempting to look for the fastest way to complete orthodontic treatment, but moving teeth is a biological process. The teeth and surrounding tissues need time to respond to controlled orthodontic forces.

A good treatment plan focuses on moving the teeth efficiently while also addressing the patient's bite and long-term stability. Trying to rush treatment simply to shorten the timeline does not necessarily produce a better result.

How Does Holt Orthodontics Determine Your Treatment Timeline?

At Holt Orthodontics, treatment time is determined by the individual patient rather than a standard schedule. Dr. Gary Holt evaluates the teeth, bite, growth, and overall orthodontic needs before recommending a treatment approach. The practice offers metal braces, aesthetic braces, and Invisalign for children, teens, and adults. Digital diagnostic technology and individualized treatment planning help determine which approach is appropriate for each patient.

During a complimentary consultation, patients can discuss their treatment options and receive an estimated timeline based on their specific needs. For patients in Littleton, Highlands Ranch, and surrounding South Denver communities, understanding your orthodontic timeline starts with understanding your individual treatment needs. An evaluation with Holt Orthodontics can provide a clearer picture of what treatment may involve, which options may be appropriate, and how long your smile transformation may take.