As a parent, it’s completely normal to wonder: “Is my child’s smile developing the way it should?”
Teeth come in, fall out, move around, and sometimes look a little uneven along the way. The good news? Some “awkward” stages are perfectly normal. Other changes can be early warning signs that your child might benefit from an orthodontic check-up.
Download Everything You Need to Know about Finding a Pediatric Dentistry Practice for Your Child
At City Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, our pediatric dentists and orthodontists work together every day to answer exactly this question for families. Here’s a simple, age-by-age guide to what parents typically notice, crowding, spacing, overbite, crossbite, bite issues, and when to check in with a professional.
Ages 0–2: Baby Teeth Just Getting Started
What’s happening in the mouth
- First baby teeth usually start to appear around 6–12 months.
- By age 2–3, most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth.
What parents might notice;
- Lots of spacing between baby teeth
- This is usually good. Space now makes room for bigger adult teeth later.
- This is usually good. Space now makes room for bigger adult teeth later.
- Teeth coming in “out of order”
- Mild variations in the order of eruption are common.
- Mild variations in the order of eruption are common.
- Thumb sucking or pacifier use
- Soothing is okay, but long-term habits can affect the bite.
- Soothing is okay, but long-term habits can affect the bite.
When to check in
- Plan a first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth.
- Talk to our pediatric dentists if:
Tip: At this age, the focus is on healthy teeth, not straight teeth. Prevention starts now.
Ages 3–5: Full Baby Smile, Habits Matter
What’s happening in the mouth
- All baby teeth should be in.
- The jaws are growing, and habits can start to shape the bite.
What parents might notice
- Spacing between front baby teeth
- Still usually normal and even helpful.
- Still usually normal and even helpful.
- Crowding of lower front teeth
- Mild crowding can be a normal part of growth, but severe crowding might signal a small jaw.
- Mild crowding can be a normal part of growth, but severe crowding might signal a small jaw.
- Overbite (top teeth covering the bottom teeth)
- A small overbite is common. A deep overbite, where the top teeth cover most of the bottom teeth, can be worth watching.
- A small overbite is common. A deep overbite, where the top teeth cover most of the bottom teeth, can be worth watching.
- Open bite from habits
- If your child still sucks a thumb or uses a pacifier often, you may see a gap between upper and lower front teeth when they bite together.
- If your child still sucks a thumb or uses a pacifier often, you may see a gap between upper and lower front teeth when they bite together.
When to check in
Book a visit with City Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry if you notice:
- A visible open bite (front teeth don’t touch when biting down).
- Strong thumb or finger sucking that continues past age 3–4.
- Difficulty chewing or your child “chooses one side” to chew on.
Early habit guidance from a pediatric dentist or orthodontist can prevent bigger bite problems later.
Ages 6–7: First Adult Teeth and The “Key Age” for Orthodontic Screening
This is the most important age for parents to check whether their child’s smile is “on track.”
What’s happening in the mouth
- The first adult molars and front permanent incisors usually come in around ages 6–7.
- This gives orthodontists a first clear look at how the jaws and bite are lining up.
What parents might notice
1. Crowding
- Front teeth look twisted, overlapped, or pushed behind other teeth.
- There’s no room for new teeth to come in.
2. Spacing
- Noticeable gaps between new adult front teeth.
- A small gap can be normal. Large gaps or gaps combined with other bite issues may need closer evaluation.
- A small gap can be normal. Large gaps or gaps combined with other bite issues may need closer evaluation.
3. Overbite
- Top front teeth stick out far beyond bottom teeth.
- Your child might be at higher risk of chipping their front teeth.
4. Crossbite
- One or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth (in the front or on the sides).
- You might notice your child:
- Shifting their jaw to one side when they bite.
- Wearing teeth unevenly.
- Shifting their jaw to one side when they bite.
When to check in
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, even if everything looks okay to you. If you’re in Edmonton or Spruce Grove, this is a great age to bring your child in for a quick orthodontic screening.
Book a visit if you notice:
- Front teeth severely crowded or overlapping.
- A crossbite (upper teeth behind lower teeth).
- Difficulty biting into foods like apples or sandwiches.
- Your child feels self-conscious about their teeth.
Not every child will need treatment at this age, but an early check helps us create the right plan at the right time.
Ages 8–10: Mixed Dentition and The “In-Between” Years
What’s happening in the mouth
- Your child has a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth.
- The jaws are growing quickly, so it’s a great time to gently guide alignment.
What parents might notice
Crowding
- New teeth coming in crooked, behind, or on top of other teeth.
- Some baby teeth stubbornly hanging on while adult teeth push through the gums.
Spacing
- Small gaps between some adult teeth can still be normal.
- Larger gaps, especially combined with bite issues, may indicate jaw size differences or missing teeth.
Overbite / Overjet
- Top front teeth protrude (sometimes called “buck teeth”).
- Your child may be teased or feel shy about smiling.
Crossbite and Underbite
- Upper front teeth still behind lower teeth (underbite).
- One side of the upper teeth bites inside the lower teeth (side or posterior crossbite).
- Jaw may look shifted to one side when your child smiles.
When to check in
Definitely schedule an orthodontic visit if:
- Crowding seems to be getting worse, not better.
- There’s a front crossbite or underbite.
- Chewing or speaking seems difficult.
- Your child’s smile is affecting their confidence at school.
In some cases, early or “Phase 1” treatment between ages 7–10 can create space, guide jaw growth, and make future treatment simpler and shorter.
Ages 11–13: Most Adult Teeth Are In
What’s happening in the mouth
- By this age, most permanent teeth have erupted (except wisdom teeth).
- It’s easier to see the full picture of your child’s bite.
What parents might notice
Crowding
- Teeth overlapping significantly or rotated.
- Teeth that never seemed to “straighten out” after coming in.
Spacing
- Persistent gaps between teeth, especially between front teeth or along the sides.
- Spaces may be due to jaw size, missing teeth, or tongue habits.
Bite Problems
- Deep overbite: top teeth cover most of the bottom teeth.
- Open bite: front teeth don’t meet when biting (may be linked to thumb, tongue, or mouth breathing habits).
- Underbite: lower jaw appears more prominent; lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth.
- Crossbite: one side of the upper teeth still bites inside the lower teeth.
When to check in
If your child hasn’t seen an orthodontist yet, now is the time.
Braces or clear aligners are very common at this age, and treatment goals can include:
- Improving alignment and bite.
- Protecting teeth from excess wear.
- Supporting healthy jaw joints and chewing function.
- Boosting confidence in their smile.
Ages 14+ and Teens: Fine-Tuning the Smile
What’s happening in the mouth
- All permanent teeth (except wisdom teeth) should be in.
- This is a great time to finish or fine-tune orthodontic treatment.
What parents and teens might notice
- Mild to moderate crowding or spacing that hasn’t self-corrected.
- Bite issues still present: overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite.
- Teeth that have shifted after past treatment due to not wearing retainers.
When to check in
A consultation with our orthodontic team can help teens:
- Explore options like metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners.
- Address long-standing bite issues that cause discomfort or self-consciousness.
- Discuss retainers and how to keep a straight smile for life.
When in Doubt, Get It Checked
You don’t have to guess whether your child’s smile is “on track”, that’s what we’re here for.
At City Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, our pediatric dentists and orthodontists work together under one roof to:
- Monitor your child’s growth and development
- Catch issues early
- Recommend the right timing for any orthodontic treatment
- Make visits fun, positive, and kid-friendly
Ready to see if your child’s smile is on track? Feel free to book a visit at our Edmonton or Spruce Grove locations today.
Book Your Appointment with Us
Book a Free Virtual Consultation
We’ll answer all your questions, show you what we see on the x-rays and photos, and create a personalized plan, so you can feel confident that your child’s smile is right where it should be.
