My Child’s Teeth Are Coming in Crooked – What Should I Do?

If you’ve noticed that your child’s teeth are coming in a bit off-center, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions we get from parents at The Smile Place here in Wilmington, DE, is, “Should I be worried that my child’s teeth look crooked?” And it’s a fair question. It can be a little surprising (or even alarming!) to see baby teeth come in at odd angles or in unexpected positions.

The good news? Not all crooked teeth are cause for concern. In fact, many early alignment issues resolve naturally over time as your child grows. However, there are also times when early intervention can make a significant difference, not just in appearance, but also in function and overall oral health.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what’s normal, what’s not, and when it might be time to schedule a consultation with your pediatric dental team.

Why Do Baby Teeth Sometimes Appear Crooked?

Every child’s smile develops at its own pace. While we all love to see those tiny, perfect baby teeth lined up in a neat little row, that’s not always how it starts—and that’s okay!

Normal Variations in Early Tooth Eruption

Crooked or spaced baby teeth can be a completely normal part of development. Here’s why:

• Jaw Size vs. Tooth Size: Toddlers’ jaws are still growing, and baby teeth may erupt before the jaw has had a chance to catch up. This can cause crowding or angling.
  
• Room to Grow: Gaps between baby teeth are actually a good sign! They create space for the larger permanent teeth that will follow.
  
• Eruption Sequence: Not all teeth come in at the same time or in perfect order. Sometimes one side might erupt before the other, or a tooth might tilt slightly as it emerges.

At The Smile Place, we often reassure Wilmington parents at regular dental checkups that early asymmetries often even out as the rest of the baby teeth come in, and later, as adult teeth begin to push through.

When to Monitor vs. When to Worry

While early irregularities are often harmless, there are a few red flags to keep an eye on:

• Severe crowding or overlapping of baby teeth
  
• Teeth coming in far out of alignment
  
• Upper and lower teeth not meeting properly
  
• Persistent mouth breathing or speech issues

If you notice any of these signs—or if you’re just unsure—it’s always okay to check in. At The Smile Place, we can assess your child’s development and help determine whether early orthodontic planning may be beneficial in the future.

Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Care

Orthodontic needs don’t always present as “crooked teeth.” Sometimes, there are subtle signs that your child’s jaw or bite isn’t developing as it should. Early detection gives us more options to guide growth naturally and avoid more invasive treatments later.

Here are some signs to watch for:

Jaw Misalignment, Crowding, or Large Gaps

• Crossbite: When the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth.
  
• Overbite or underbite: When the upper or lower teeth extend too far forward.
  
• Crowding: Teeth overlap or twist due to a lack of space.
  
• Spacing: Extra-large gaps between teeth (especially if they persist past age 7 or 8).

These issues may not always cause immediate problems, but if left unaddressed, they can lead to:

• Difficulty chewing or speaking
  
• Increased risk of decay due to hard-to-clean areas
  
• Jaw strain or TMJ issues later in life

At The Smile Place, our dental team keeps a close eye on these developmental signs during every checkup. We often begin tracking alignment concerns as early as age 3–4 and continue to monitor them as permanent teeth start to erupt. If you suspect early issues with your child’s teeth, it’s always a good idea to schedule a visit with our team.

Mouth Breathing and Thumb Sucking Effects

Habits like mouth breathing and thumb sucking can also influence how your child’s teeth and jaws develop. While these behaviors are common and often harmless in very young children, prolonged habits may contribute to:

• Narrowing of the dental arch
  
• Protrusion of front teeth
  
• Open bite (where front teeth don’t touch)
  
• Speech issues or delayed eruption of adult teeth

We don’t believe in alarmist parenting, but we do believe in education and support. If you’re concerned about a habit your child has, the team at The Smile Place can work with you on gentle habit-breaking strategies and monitoring.

Early Intervention for Crooked Teeth

Not every child who has crooked baby teeth will need braces. However, for children who require early orthodontic intervention, earlier support can often result in shorter, simpler, and more effective treatment.

Space Maintainers and Growth Monitoring

If a baby tooth falls out too early—whether due to injury or decay—it can cause nearby teeth to drift and block the space for the adult tooth coming in behind it. That’s where space maintainers come in.

These small devices are placed by a pediatric dentist to:

• Preserve the necessary space for permanent teeth
  
• Prevent crowding or shifting
  
• Support a more natural alignment of future teeth

We also monitor jaw growth and bite development at every visit, particularly between the ages of 4 and 8. These are prime years for identifying any emerging issues and gently guiding the jaw into proper alignment.

The Role of Pediatric Orthodontists

Pediatric orthodontists specialize in identifying and treating alignment issues in children and teens. While most kids won’t need braces until around age 11 or 12, some benefit from early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics.

This type of care may include:

• Expanders to widen a narrow jaw
  
• Partial braces to correct severe crowding
  
• Functional appliances to address jaw growth issues
  
• Retainers to maintain space or alignment

We typically recommend a child’s first orthodontic evaluation around age seven. This doesn’t always mean treatment is needed right away, but it helps create a roadmap for future care if necessary.

When Should You Schedule a Consultation?

If you’re reading this and feeling a bit overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Most pediatric dental concerns are manageable, especially when addressed early.

Here’s when we recommend reaching out:

• You’ve noticed that your child’s teeth are coming in crooked or crowded
  
• Their top and bottom teeth don’t line up properly
  
• You’re worried about thumb sucking or mouth breathing
  
• A baby tooth has fallen out early, and others seem to be shifting
  
• You’re just not sure—and you want reassurance

Trust us when we say: you’re not overreacting by asking questions. Being proactive about your child’s dental health can prevent discomfort and save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

At The Smile Place in Wilmington, DE, we’re proud to be your partner in your child’s oral health. We approach every visit with care, compassion, and a commitment to giving you the clearest information possible, without judgment and without pressure.

Final Thoughts: Every Smile Is Unique

Crooked baby teeth might be nothing to worry about—or they might be an early sign of something that’s worth watching more closely. Either way, your child’s smile deserves personalized attention, thoughtful care, and a team that’s truly invested in their long-term health.

At The Smile Place, we love helping families in Wilmington, DE, and beyond navigate the early years of dental development with confidence. Whether your child’s teeth are coming in straight, sideways, or somewhere in between, we’re here to support you with guidance, gentle treatment, and answers to all your “Is this normal?” questions.

Let’s work together to help your child grow into a confident, healthy smile—one step (and one little tooth) at a time.

Ready to schedule a consultation or just have a few questions?
Reach out to The Smile Place in Wilmington, DE, today. We’re here to help you feel informed, supported, and confident about your child’s dental future.