5 Signs You Should Book a Children’s Orthodontic Assessment This Summer

Summer break is more than just a chance to slow down—it’s the perfect time to book appointments that can shape your child’s health for years to come. One of the most valuable check-ins you can schedule? An orthodontic assessment. 

At Clearview Market Dental in Red Deer, we offer early orthodontic evaluations to help parents understand what’s happening below the surface—before small issues become bigger concerns. If you’re wondering whether your child might need braces or other intervention, here are five signs that it’s time to book a consult. 

1. Crowded or Overlapping Teeth 

If your child’s teeth appear too close together, twisted or overlapping, that’s often a clear indicator of limited jaw space. Crowding can make brushing and flossing difficult, increasing the risk of cavities and gum issues. It can also affect how adult teeth grow in. 

We can assess whether early orthodontic treatment—sometimes called interceptive treatment—can guide proper tooth alignment and reduce the need for more extensive work later. 

2. Mouth Breathing or Snoring 

Children who regularly breathe through their mouths while awake or asleep may have underlying issues with jaw development or airway function. In some cases, orthodontic evaluation can reveal structural causes that can be corrected with appliances or early expansion techniques. 

Mouth breathing can affect everything from sleep quality to facial growth. Our team works closely with parents to explore solutions that support both oral health and overall wellness. 

3. Difficulty Chewing or Speaking 

If your child struggles with certain foods, avoids chewing on one side or has unclear speech patterns, it could relate to the alignment of their teeth and jaws. Bite issues—such as overbites, underbites or crossbites—can interfere with natural oral development. 

By booking a children’s orthodontic consultation in the summer, you give your child the chance to start any needed treatment before the busy school year begins. 

4. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth 

There’s a wide range of normal when it comes to losing baby teeth, but teeth that fall out far earlier—or much later—than expected can disrupt the sequence in which adult teeth grow in. 

Our team can take X-rays and perform a gentle evaluation to see whether teeth are erupting in the correct pattern, and recommend next steps if intervention is needed. 

5. Jaw Shifting, Clicking or Asymmetry 

Pay attention to how your child chews or moves their jaw. If you notice any clicking, shifting, or unevenness in their bite, it could be a sign of developing jaw imbalance. Left unchecked, these issues can lead to discomfort, jaw pain or uneven wear on the teeth. 

Orthodontics isn’t just about creating straight smiles—it’s about achieving harmony between the teeth, jaws and facial muscles. Addressing jaw issues early can lead to better long-term outcomes and fewer complications in adulthood. 

Why Summer is the Ideal Time to Book Your Children’s Orthodontic Appointment

Summer break gives you flexibility in your schedule and gives your child time to adjust to new appliances—if needed—without the stress of school. Whether your child needs braces now or simply a growth check-in, our Red Deer dental team will guide you through the process with compassion and clarity. 

We’re proud to offer full family dentistry and children’s orthodontic assessments right here in Red Deer. Our clinic is welcoming, kid-friendly and focused on building lifelong comfort with dental care. 

Visit us in Clearview Market Square or book your child’s orthodontic consultation online. 

Let’s make this summer one that sets your child up for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles!