Can baby teeth be straightened? Understanding orthodontics before age 10

Parents often ask us, “Is it too early for my child to see an orthodontist if they still have baby teeth?” The short answer: no, it’s not too early - and in many cases, it’s the perfect time.

At Northern Orthodontics in Ashton-Under-Lyne, we see many children under the age of 10 for early orthodontic assessments. While traditional braces may not always be needed at this stage, there are effective ways to guide jaw growth and tooth alignment - even before all the adult teeth come in.

Let’s explore how early orthodontics works and when it’s worth booking a consultation.

Can Baby Teeth Actually Be Straightened?

Technically, we don’t place braces on baby teeth to straighten them for cosmetic reasons. But we can and do treat children with baby teeth - not to improve appearance, but to prevent more serious problems from developing later.

Orthodontic treatment at this stage is called early intervention or Phase 1 treatment. It focuses on guiding jaw growth, correcting harmful habits (like thumb sucking), improving bite function, and making space for adult teeth to erupt properly.

Why Early Orthodontics Matters

Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, they play an important role in how adult teeth develop. If the jaw is too narrow, teeth are severely crowded, or the bite isn’t lining up correctly, early treatment can help:

Reduce or eliminate the need for extractions later
Shorten or simplify treatment in the teenage years
Correct developing crossbites or underbites
Guide proper jaw and facial growth
Improve breathing and oral function

By stepping in early, we can often reduce the time your child will need to spend in braces or aligners later on.

What Does Treatment Before Age 10 Involve?

Treatment varies depending on your child’s needs. Some common early intervention options we use at Northern Orthodontics include:

Orthodontic expanders

These devices gently widen the upper jaw to create space for adult teeth and improve bite alignment.

Partial braces

Sometimes a short course of braces on selected teeth can help guide alignment and reduce future crowding.

Removable plates

Custom-made appliances used to correct minor bite issues or help stop habits like thumb sucking.

Space maintainers

Used when baby teeth are lost early to preserve room for permanent teeth to erupt in the right position.

Not every child needs treatment this early - but a quick consultation can give you peace of mind and a clear idea of what’s ahead.

Smiling child

What Age Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

The British Orthodontic Society recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up between ages 7 and 8. By this age, we can assess how their bite is developing and whether there’s a need for early intervention.

Even if your child doesn’t need treatment yet, this visit helps us monitor growth and plan the best timing for future care.

Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Safe?

Absolutely. All treatments we recommend are based on your child’s individual needs and only carried out if there’s a clear clinical benefit. Our specialist team at Northern Orthodontics has extensive experience treating young patients, and we always make their comfort and wellbeing a top priority.

We also use modern digital scanning instead of messy impressions, which helps make the experience easier for younger children.

What If My Child Didn’t Qualify for NHS Braces?

Many of the children we see privately have been told they don’t qualify for NHS treatment. That doesn’t mean their issues aren’t worth addressing. If your child’s smile is affecting their confidence or causing functional issues, we’re happy to assess their options and guide you through what’s possible.

Free consultations
Flexible, interest-free payment plans
Multilingual support for families
Saturday appointments to suit busy schedules

Final Thoughts: Baby Teeth Today, Confident Smiles Tomorrow

While we don’t straighten baby teeth for cosmetic reasons, early orthodontic treatment can make a real difference in your child’s future dental health. From guiding jaw development to making space for adult teeth, what we do before age 10 can often reduce the need for complex treatment later on.

If you’re unsure whether your child needs to be seen yet, we’d love to help. Book a free consultation at Northern Orthodontics and let’s make a plan for a healthier, happier smile - starting today.

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