Do I Need Braces? 7 Signs It Might Be Time

You have probably wondered at some point — looking in the mirror, biting into an apple at an awkward angle, or noticing a child’s teeth coming through at odd angles — whether braces might be needed. It is a common question, and not always an obvious one. We hear it every week from families across Perth’s western suburbs who visit our Claremont practice.

Some orthodontic problems are visible. Others are subtle. And some only show up when a specialist takes X-rays and measurements. This article covers the seven signs that most commonly point towards a need for orthodontic treatment — whether for you or your child.

1. Crowded or overlapping teeth

This is the most recognisable sign. When there is not enough space in the jaw for all the teeth, they crowd together. Teeth overlap, twist, or sit at angles. You might notice it in the front teeth, but crowding often affects the back teeth too — you just cannot see it as easily.

Crowding is more than a cosmetic issue. Overlapping teeth are significantly harder to clean. Floss cannot reach the contact points properly, and plaque accumulates in spots your toothbrush cannot access. Over time, this raises the risk of decay and gum disease in those areas.

If you notice teeth that overlap, are rotated, or seem to be fighting for space, that is worth having assessed.

2. Gaps between teeth

The opposite of crowding — spaces between teeth where none should exist. Some gaps are natural and harmless, particularly in young children who still have baby teeth. But persistent gaps in adult teeth can indicate underlying issues: missing teeth, a jaw-tooth size mismatch, or habits like tongue thrusting that push teeth apart.

Gaps can also affect how you bite and chew. Food getting caught between teeth regularly is a practical nuisance that orthodontic treatment can resolve.

3. An overbite, underbite, or crossbite

Bite problems — technically called malocclusions — are where the upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly when you close your mouth.

• Overbite: The upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. A small overbite is normal; a large one can cause the lower teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
• Underbite: The lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. This can affect chewing and speech, and may indicate a jaw growth discrepancy.
• Crossbite: Some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down, rather than outside. This can cause uneven jaw growth in children if left untreated.

Bite issues are not always obvious to the untrained eye. You might notice them as difficulty biting through food, jaw discomfort, or uneven tooth wear. At our practice on Stirling Highway, Dr Denize frequently sees patients from Nedlands, Dalkeith, and Cottesloe who had no idea their bite was off until a thorough examination and imaging revealed the issue.

4. Difficulty chewing or biting

If you find yourself avoiding certain foods because biting is uncomfortable, or if you chew mostly on one side, your bite may not be aligned properly. This is your body compensating for a problem you might not visually notice.

Children may not articulate this clearly — they might just refuse certain foods or chew slowly. Pay attention to eating habits as well as tooth appearance.

5. Mouth breathing or snoring

This one surprises people. Chronic mouth breathing in children can be linked to narrow dental arches and orthodontic issues. When the upper jaw is too narrow, the nasal passages can be restricted, and children develop a habit of breathing through their mouths instead.

Orthodontic expansion of the upper jaw — a common early treatment intervention — can improve nasal airflow. This is not a guaranteed solution for all breathing issues, but if your child breathes through their mouth most of the time, it is worth having an orthodontic assessment alongside a check with their GP. We see this regularly in active kids from local schools like Christ Church Grammar and MLC — parents notice their child is always mouth breathing during sport or at night.

6. Jaw pain, clicking, or popping

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues — clicking, popping, pain, or locking of the jaw — can sometimes be related to how the teeth come together. Not all jaw problems are orthodontic in origin, but when the bite is significantly off, the jaw joint compensates. Over years, that compensation can cause discomfort.

If you experience regular jaw pain, especially combined with any of the other signs on this list, an orthodontic assessment can help determine whether bite correction might provide relief. We are careful not to over-promise here — TMJ issues are complex and sometimes multifactorial.

7. Early or late loss of baby teeth

This applies specifically to children. Baby teeth fall out in a roughly predictable sequence between ages 6 and 12. When a baby tooth is lost too early — from decay, injury, or extraction — the neighbouring teeth can drift into the gap, blocking the permanent tooth from coming through correctly.

Conversely, baby teeth that hang on too long can prevent the adult tooth underneath from erupting in the right position.

If your child lost a baby tooth unusually early (before age 5) or still has baby teeth well past the expected age, an orthodontic assessment can check whether the permanent teeth have enough room to come through properly.

What to do if you recognise these signs

Not every one of these signs means braces are definitely needed. Some are mild and may not require treatment. Others are caught early enough that a simple intervention now prevents a more complex one later.

The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic assessment by age 7. At this age, enough permanent teeth have come through to spot developing problems, but the jaw is still growing — which gives orthodontists more options for treatment. Many Perth families do not realise how early assessment can be beneficial.

For adults, there is no wrong time to get assessed. If you have been putting it off for years, you are not alone — and modern treatment options are more comfortable and discreet than they were a decade ago.

How a consultation at Claremont Orthodontics works

When you visit our Claremont practice, the initial consultation involves:

1. A thorough clinical examination of your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment
2. Diagnostic imaging (X-rays and/or digital scans) as needed
3. A clear explanation of what we find — in plain language, not jargon
4. Discussion of treatment options, realistic timelines, and costs

We do not pressure anyone into treatment. If braces or clear aligners are appropriate, we will explain why. If they are not, we will tell you that too.

If you have noticed any of the signs above — in yourself or your child — booking an assessment is a sensible next step. Early assessment does not commit you to anything, but it does give you the information you need to make a good decision. Our practice is just off Stirling Highway in Claremont, opposite Christ Church Grammar School — convenient for families from Subiaco to Cottesloe. Call us on (08) 6288 7188 or book online.

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