Many parents wonder when (or if) their child might need braces. The truth is that bite problems, crowding, and misalignment are very common — and early screening makes a big difference. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation by age seven, even if all the baby teeth have not fallen out yet. Here are the signs that Dr. McLemore looks for when screening Stephenville children and families in Erath County.
Early Signs of Bite Problems
An improper bite (malocclusion) affects more than just the appearance of teeth. It can impact chewing, swallowing, speech, and even breathing. Signs include an overbite (upper teeth extending far out over lower teeth), an underbite (lower jaw protruding beyond the upper), or a crossbite (some upper teeth sitting inside the lower teeth rather than outside). A deep bite — where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much — can also cause jaw pain and tooth wear over time.
Crowding and Spacing
If your child's permanent teeth are coming in overlapped, twisted, or rotated, that is a classic sign that orthodontic treatment may help. Baby teeth sometimes do not hold enough space for adult teeth, or permanent teeth may simply be too large for the jaw. Early intervention often means simpler, shorter treatment and better long-term outcomes. Spacing issues — where there are large gaps between teeth — can also benefit from orthodontic evaluation.
Jaw Growth and Alignment Concerns
Sometimes the problem is not the teeth themselves, but the jaw. A child may have a jaw that is growing unevenly, too forward, or too far back. These skeletal issues are much easier to manage when caught early, before growth is complete. Dr. McLemore can identify these concerns during a regular exam and recommend evaluation by an orthodontist if needed. Early assessment often leads to better outcomes than waiting until all permanent teeth have arrived.
Habits That May Require Evaluation
Certain habits can affect tooth and jaw development. These include prolonged thumb sucking (beyond age three or four), tongue thrusting (pushing the tongue forward against the teeth), mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing, and grinding or clenching the teeth. If your child is displaying any of these habits, mention it at their dental visit. Sometimes the habit itself needs to be addressed before or during orthodontic treatment.
Why Early Screening Matters
Early orthodontic evaluation does not always mean immediate braces. Sometimes it means monitoring the child's growth and development over time. Other times, early intervention — such as a space maintainer, an expander, or a habit-breaking appliance — can prevent more complex problems later. By catching issues early, we often avoid the need for tooth extraction or the requirement for extensive orthodontic treatment as a teenager.
What to Expect During an Orthodontic Screening
At Dr. McLemore's Weatherford office, which serves Stephenville and Erath County families, an orthodontic screening is thorough but comfortable. We examine the alignment of teeth, the bite, the shape and growth of the jaw, and any habits that might be affecting development. If we feel a referral to an orthodontist is appropriate, we make that recommendation and help connect your family with a trusted specialist in the region. If no action is needed at this time, we let you know what to watch for and when to return for follow-up.
Ready to Schedule?
If your child is showing any of these signs, or if they are approaching age seven, schedule an orthodontic screening with Dr. McLemore at our Weatherford office, which serves Stephenville and Erath County families. Early evaluation can make all the difference.
Mon–Thu 8am–5pm · Fri–Sun Closed
