Early Orthodontic Screening for Kids in Beaverton
Crowding, bite problems, and jaw growth are easier to understand early. Dr. Hsu watches how your child’s smile develops and tells you if an orthodontist should weigh in.
Why look early if braces come later?
Teeth and jaws are growing quickly in the elementary years. That growth can sometimes be guided more easily than corrected later. It also gives us a window to catch habits, missing teeth, or unusual eruption patterns before they cause bigger issues.
The goal is not to rush to appliances. It is to understand the pattern, wait when waiting is fine, and speak up when timing matters.
What we watch, and when
| Age range | What we typically look at |
|---|---|
| Toddlers to age 5 | How baby teeth fit together, spacing, thumb or pacifier habits, and early jaw position. |
| Ages 6 to 8 | First permanent molars and front teeth arriving, early crowding, bite relationship, and lost-tooth spacing. |
| Ages 9 to 12 | Remaining baby teeth being replaced, canines and premolars, and whether room is adequate. |
| Teens | Alignment, wisdom-tooth position, and hygiene around any braces. See teen dentistry. |
Signs worth mentioning to Dr. Hsu
- Baby teeth lost very early, or very late
- Front teeth that stick out or bite behind the bottom teeth
- Upper and lower front teeth that do not meet when the back teeth close
- Jaws that shift to one side when closing
- Crowding that seems severe as adult teeth arrive
- Mouth breathing, snoring, or chronic open-mouth posture
- Difficulty chewing or frequently biting the cheek or tongue
- Thumb-sucking or pacifier use continuing past the toddler years
- Extra or missing teeth noticed on an X-ray
- A family history of orthodontic treatment
A single sign does not automatically mean treatment. It just tells us where to look more closely.
What a screening visit involves
- Listening. We ask about habits, breathing, family history, and anything you have noticed.
- Looking. Dr. Hsu checks how teeth meet, how the jaws line up, and how the smile is developing.
- Imaging when needed. An X-ray can show teeth still under the gums and how much room they have.
- Explaining. We describe what is normal, what we will watch, and whether an orthodontic referral is worthwhile.
If your child would benefit from an orthodontist, we refer you and keep looking after their everyday dental health here.
How a referral to an orthodontist works
If Dr. Hsu sees something that merits an orthodontic opinion, we explain what we noticed and why. Sometimes the recommendation is to see an orthodontist now. Other times it is to check back at a specific age, or to watch for a particular milestone, such as the arrival of the canines or second molars.
We keep the process simple: we tell you what to look for in a specialist, share relevant information and X-rays with your permission, and stay involved in your child’s daily dental health throughout treatment. Cavities, gum health, and sealants still matter while braces are on, and we are here for that part.
Most children who visit an orthodontist at this age are simply monitored, and many do not begin treatment for years. Treatment, when it does happen, is best decided by the orthodontist together with you and your child.
Timing is individual
Children develop at different speeds. A child who loses teeth early is not necessarily ahead in every way, and a late bloomer is not necessarily behind. That is why we compare your child to their own pattern over time, not just to a calendar. A few well-kept records, like X-rays and photos, make that possible.
How to prepare your child for a screening
There is little to prepare, and that is intentional. Tell your child we will count teeth and look at how they fit together. Bring a list of questions and any photos of the smile from a few years back. If a relative had braces, jaw surgery, or crowded teeth, mention it, since alignment can run in families. We will handle the rest, and your child will not need to do anything more than open wide and bite together.
Common myths about early orthodontics
“Baby teeth don’t matter because they fall out.”
They matter for chewing, speech, and guiding the permanent teeth. Losing one early can change the space available for what comes next. Read about space maintainers to see how we protect it.
“Straight teeth are only cosmetic.”
Alignment can affect chewing and how easy teeth are to clean. That said, some differences are purely about appearance, and that is fine to talk about too.
“Habits will fix themselves.”
Often they do, especially when they stop before permanent teeth arrive. If not, gentle strategies help. Our guide to thumb-sucking and pacifier habits has age-based ideas.
“My child has a gap, so something must be wrong.”
Gaps between baby teeth are often a healthy sign of room for larger adult teeth. It is a difference we welcome at this age.
Request an appointment Call (503) 822-0096
Start with regular checkups
Most orthodontic screening happens naturally during children’s cleanings and checkups, so there is nothing extra to schedule for many families. Call (503) 822-0096 or learn more about pediatric dentistry in Beaverton.
Questions parents (and adults) often ask
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by around age 7, when a mix of baby and adult teeth lets an expert spot developing issues. That does not mean treatment starts then. For many kids, it simply means monitoring.
Do you provide braces?
Bien Dental’s focus is children’s dentistry. Dr. Hsu screens and monitors, and when your child would benefit from an orthodontic opinion, we refer you to an orthodontist and stay involved in your child’s dental health.
Is crowding normal in kids?
Some crowding or spacing is common as adult teeth arrive. Baby teeth often have gaps, which is helpful because permanent teeth are larger. We look at whether the amount of room and the pattern seem to be on track.
Will early treatment mean my child needs braces twice?
Not necessarily. Some children benefit from a short phase of early treatment, and many need nothing until later. An orthodontist can explain what applies to your child.
Can thumb-sucking or pacifier use affect the bite?
They can, especially if the habit continues as permanent teeth come in. See our page on thumb-sucking and pacifier habits for age-by-age guidance.
How does a lost baby tooth change the plan?
An early loss can allow neighboring teeth to drift. In some cases we suggest a space maintainer to hold the space. Dr. Hsu will let you know.
Does insurance cover an orthodontic screening?
A screening is usually part of a routine exam. Braces coverage is separate and depends on your plan’s orthodontic benefit, which we can look up with you. See our insurance and payment options page or call (503) 822-0096.
Ready to book your child’s visit?
Tell us a little about your family and we’ll reach out to find a time that works. New patients — kids, teens and adults — are welcome, and we accept almost all dental insurance and the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).