Treatment of malocclusions with braces usually takes place during childhood because the jaw is still growing and can better accommodate the changes that take place. The American Dental Association recommends that all children have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7, when the first permanent molars and incisors typically have erupted.

A branch of orthodontics called interceptive orthodontics focuses on preventing malocclusions that may require braces. This involves examining and treating children before the eruption of all of the adult teeth, while their teeth and jaws are still developing. For example, a device called a palatal expander may be used to expand the child’s upper arch to its proper size, which encourages permanent teeth to erupt normally in the mouth. In some cases, interceptive orthodontics may take just a few months to complete.

Early signs and symptoms of malocclusion in a child include:

• Baby teeth that are lost early or late
• Chewing or biting difficulties
• Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
• Crowded teeth
• Jaws and teeth out of proportion to the rest of the face
• Jaws that shift or make sounds
• Mouth breathing
• Upper and lower teeth do not meet or are improperly aligned