What Parents Need to Know About Crooked Teeth in Children

As parents, we all want our children to grow up happy and confident in their smiles. When teeth start to appear crooked, crowded, or misaligned, it’s completely natural to have questions or concerns. While alignment issues are often seen as cosmetic, they can affect much more than appearance.

Crooked teeth can influence how a child eats, speaks, and even how confident they feel as they grow. At Prior Hall Dental in Corby, we believe that early awareness and the right guidance can make a real difference to your child’s long-term oral health and wellbeing.

What Is Tooth Misalignment in Children?

Tooth misalignment occurs when the teeth or jaws do not line up correctly. This can present in several ways, including:
 

• Crowded teeth – when there isn’t enough space for teeth to erupt properly
• Overbite or underbite – where the upper or lower teeth protrude too far
• Crossbite – when some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth
• Open bite – where upper and lower teeth don’t meet when biting
• Spacing issues – noticeable gaps between teeth

Read more about orthodontic treatments and appliances.

Why Do Children Develop Crooked Teeth?

There are many reasons why children may develop misaligned teeth. Genetics often play a major role, particularly when it comes to jaw size and tooth crowding. Certain habits such as thumb-sucking, prolonged dummy use, or tongue thrusting can also affect how teeth and jaws develop.

Early loss of baby teeth may cause nearby teeth to drift, leaving less space for adult teeth to come through. Breathing through the mouth rather than the nose can also influence jaw and facial development.

When these factors aren’t identified early, alignment issues can worsen as permanent teeth emerge, sometimes leading to more complex treatment later on.

How Can Crooked Teeth Affect Your Child?

Misaligned teeth can impact far more than appearance. Children may experience difficulty chewing or speaking clearly, and crowded teeth can be harder to clean effectively, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

An uneven bite can place strain on the jaw, sometimes leading to discomfort or headaches. Just as importantly, visible misalignment can affect a child’s confidence and self-esteem, particularly during school years and social situations.

In some cases, airway development can also be affected, contributing to snoring or sleep-related issues.

For these reasons, the NHS recommends that children have an orthodontic assessment around the age of 12–13, or earlier if concerns are noticed. Early assessment allows growth and tooth development to be monitored and guided where needed.

How We Help at Prior Hall Dental

At Prior Hall Dental in Corby, we regularly monitor children’s dental development as part of routine check-ups. We assess how teeth are erupting, how the bite is developing, and whether there are early signs of crowding or misalignment.

If we feel orthodontic input would be beneficial, we will discuss this openly with you and guide you through the next steps.

While we do not provide specialist orthodontic treatment in-house, we are pleased to refer patients to our trusted partner practice, Kaizen Dental, where specialist orthodontic care is available for children, teenagers, and adults.

This ensures your child receives expert-led treatment when needed, with continuity of care and clear communication between practices. Read more about specialist orthodontic care at Kaizen Dental in Market Harborough.

Start your child’s smile journey today. Book a consultation at Prior Hall Dental in Corby or call 01536 214144, and discover how expert, compassionate care can help your child achieve a beautifully aligned, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.

FAQs

At what age should my child see an orthodontist?

Ideally around age 12–13, or sooner if you notice crowding or bite issues.

Are braces available on the NHS for children?

Yes, NHS orthodontic treatment is free for children under 18 who meet specific clinical criteria. However, NHS waiting lists can be very long, often ranging from 12 months to 3 years. During this time, orthodontic issues can sometimes worsen, which is why many families choose private treatment for faster access and more choice.

Will braces hurt my child?

Mild discomfort is normal for a few days, but it usually settles quickly.

How long does treatment take?

Usually between 12 and 24 months, depending on the individual case.

What if my child feels nervous about braces?

Our team specialises in gentle, supportive care to make every visit comfortable and positive.