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.
