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Who Should I Consult For Braces Treatment?

LAST UPDATED:

October 9, 2025

Category:

Q:

Hello Dr. Toof! My 8-year-old daughter has some crooked teeth, and I’m curious about what might be causing this. Can you explain why kids might have misaligned teeth and what steps we should take to address this issue? Thanks!

- Our follower on social media

Hi there! Thanks for reaching out with your question. Misaligned or crooked teeth in children can be quite common, and there are several reasons why this might happen. One of the main causes is genetics. Kids can inherit tooth size and jaw shape from their parents, and sometimes these inherited traits don’t align perfectly, leading to crooked teeth.

Besides genetics, environmental factors can also play a part. Habits like prolonged thumb-sucking or losing baby teeth early can impact how your child’s teeth come in, and this may lead to misalignment. It’s quite surprising how these simple behaviors can have lasting effects on dental health!

Another reason could be early dental issues such as overcrowding or spacing problems. These can influence how adult teeth emerge, and as a result, they could come in crooked or misaligned. This is why regular dental check-ups are super important to catch any issues early on.

When it comes to treatment, the best first step is to see an orthodontist. They specialize in dealing with braces and aligning teeth, and they would be able to assess your daughter’s situation and create a custom treatment plan. The earlier you start these conversations, the better the long-term results for her beautiful smile.

In the meantime, encourage her to keep up with good oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing, and using a saltwater rinse can help ease any discomfort. And of course, seeing a dental professional as soon as possible is key. Starting this process early gives her the best chance for a healthier and straighter smile down the road!

About The Author

MDC 11249

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) Jordan University of Science and Technology, 2018

Dr. Athirah is a highly skilled and dedicated dentist with a special focus on dental surgery and endodontics. She co-founded Dr Toof Dental Clinic to stay at the forefront of modern dentistry.

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