Do Children with Crooked Teeth Need Braces?

Misaligned teeth (medically known as "malocclusion") not only affect a child's appearance and confidence, but can also have long-term consequences for oral health. In recent years, more and more Hong Kong parents have been considering braces for children to address their child's dental alignment issues. When exactly can children start wearing braces? Will the problems improve naturally after the adult teeth come in? In this article, we have invited dentist Dr. Zheng Miaomiao to answer some of the most common questions from parents.

• 1. Causes of Protruding and Underbite Teeth: Genetic or Environmental?

  Dr. Zheng Miaomiao notes that misalignment issues such as protruding teeth or underbites can appear as soon as a child's primary teeth emerge. The causes generally fall into two categories:

  1. Genetic factors: Related to family heredity and the shape and size of the jaw. If a parent has an abnormal jaw structure, the child has a higher likelihood of developing dental alignment problems.

  2. Environmental factors: Including chewing habits, nutritional intake, breathing habits (such as mouth breathing), lip and tongue habits, and dental trauma.

  2. 2026 Hong Kong Children's Braces Fee Reference Table

  The cost of orthodontic treatment for children varies depending on the complexity of the case and the type of appliance chosen (such as functional appliances or clear aligners).

  Treatment Type	Reference Fee (HKD)	Key Focus
  Early Intervention Treatment (Functional Appliance)	HK$15,000 - HK$30,000	Targets the mixed dentition stage (ages 7–10) to guide jaw development
  Full Fixed Braces (Metal Braces)	HK$25,000 - HK$45,000	Well-established technique; effective for severe crowding
  Children's Clear Aligners (e.g. beame)	HK$20,000 - HK$40,000	More comfortable and aesthetically pleasing; suitable for the golden window during the tooth transition stage

  3. The Golden Window for Braces: Will Teeth Improve Naturally After the Adult Teeth Come In?

  Many parents wonder: "Will protruding teeth or an underbite improve after the adult teeth come in?" Dr. Zheng Miaomiao is candid that while some children's issues may improve after the permanent teeth emerge, protruding teeth or underbites can also persist or even worsen.

  When Is Early Orthodontic Intervention Necessary?

  In general, dentists recommend beginning formal orthodontic treatment after the transition to permanent teeth is complete. However, early intervention may be needed in the following situations:

  • Severe dental crowding, protruding teeth, or malocclusion affecting eating.

  • Underbite: This can interfere with normal jaw growth.

  • Overly small or narrow jaw: Early intervention can help avoid more complex surgical treatment in the future.

  [Suggested image: A comparison diagram showing how early orthodontic treatment creates space for permanent teeth to grow in]

  4. How to Prevent Misaligned Teeth in Children

  While genetic factors are difficult to prevent, problems arising from poor habits are avoidable. Dr. Zheng Miaomiao recommends that parents focus on the following five areas:

  1. Establish good oral hygiene habits: Brush teeth morning and night, and parents should "follow up" after the child brushes to ensure thorough cleaning, preventing premature loss of primary teeth that could affect the spacing for permanent teeth.

  2. Correct poor oral habits: Such as thumb-sucking, prolonged use of a pacifier, or biting pencils.

  3. Pay attention to breathing patterns: Watch for signs of mouth breathing, which may be linked to allergic rhinitis or chronic nasal congestion. Prolonged mouth breathing can affect the development of facial bones.

  4. Nutrition and chewing training: Ensure a balanced diet and include foods with an appropriate level of firmness, which promotes normal jaw development.

  5. Regular dental check-ups: Identify and address issues early to ensure permanent teeth erupt properly.

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  Part 3: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Section)

  • Q1: What should we do if my child is in so much pain during orthodontic treatment that they don't want to eat?

    • A: It is normal to experience mild soreness shortly after braces are fitted or adjusted. Parents should prepare soft, nutritious foods (such as fish or tofu). If the pain becomes unbearable, consult the treating dentist promptly.

  • Q2: Can children rinse with salt water instead of brushing their teeth?

    • A: No. Salt water can only serve as a supplement. During orthodontic treatment, food debris can easily become trapped in the brackets. Teeth must be brushed morning and night, and an interdental brush or floss should be used to clean between the teeth.

  • Q3: Once orthodontic treatment is complete, do we no longer need to do anything?

    • A: After orthodontic treatment is completed, a retainer must be worn to keep the teeth in their corrected positions. Without one, there is a high likelihood that the teeth will shift back to their original positions, rendering the treatment unsuccessful.

 

 

※ The above are reference ranges compiled from public market data. Actual fees vary by clinic tier, dentist seniority, and case complexity, and do not represent any specific clinic's quote.