Common Orthodontic Concerns Parents Have — and What to Watch for

As parents, we notice everything.

• The way our child smiles in photos.
• The way they chew.
• The crowded teeth coming in “a little crooked.”
• The mouth breathing.
• The thumb sucking that lasted longer than expected.

And eventually, many parents ask the same question:

“Do they really need braces?”

The answer is not always simple — because orthodontics is about much more than straight teeth.

At Matza & Co. Orthodontics, Dr. Matza and Dr. Heather Ercolano help parents understand not only if treatment is needed, but when and why. Sometimes the best approach is early intervention. Sometimes it’s monitoring growth. And sometimes, reassurance is exactly what families need.

What Parents Often Notice First

Most orthodontic concerns begin subtly. Parents may notice:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Teeth that don’t seem to fit together properly
• Mouth breathing
• Thumb or finger habits
• Speech concerns
• Jaws that shift, click, or appear uneven

Even if these issues seem minor, they can sometimes signal underlying bite or growth concerns that are easier to address earlier.

The Biggest Misconception About Orthodontics

One of the most common misconceptions is that orthodontic treatment is only about appearance.

In reality, orthodontics also focuses on:

• Proper jaw development
• Bite function
• Long-term dental health
• Facial balance
• Stability as children grow

Straight teeth are important — but healthy function is equally essential. That’s why timing matters.

“Should We Wait Until All the Adult Teeth Come In?”

Not always. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children receive an orthodontic evaluation around age 7. This does not mean every child will need braces immediately. Often, it simply allows orthodontists to monitor development and identify concerns early — before they become more complicated later.

At Matza & Co. Orthodontics, many young patients are placed in a growth observation program, where their development is monitored carefully over time. Sometimes the best treatment is waiting. Sometimes early intervention makes a significant difference. Knowing the difference requires experience.

Why Expertise Matters

For over 30 years, Dr. Matza has been a trusted name in orthodontics throughout Boca Raton and South Florida, known for his Board Certification and extensive experience treating a wide range of orthodontic needs.

Alongside him, Dr. Heather Ercolano brings advanced specialty training and a strong understanding of facial growth and development, helping provide highly individualized care for children, teens, and adults.

Together, they also participate in the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Craniofacial Team, where they help manage complex cases involving facial growth, jaw development, and multidisciplinary care. That level of experience shapes how they approach every patient. Because when orthodontists routinely treat highly complex cases, they develop a deeper understanding of growth, timing, and treatment planning — even for more routine orthodontic needs.

For parents, that means confidence.

• Confidence that your child is being evaluated thoroughly.
• Confidence that nothing important is being overlooked.
• Confidence that treatment recommendations are thoughtful, not rushed.

Signs It May Be Time for an Evaluation

Parents often ask when they should schedule a consultation. While every child is different an orthodontic evaluation may be helpful if you notice:

• Crowding or spacing concerns
• Protruding teeth
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Persistent mouth breathing
• Thumb-sucking habits beyond early childhood
• Early or delayed eruption of adult teeth
• Jaw shifting or asymmetry

Even if treatment is not needed yet, early evaluation provides valuable insight into your child’s development.

A Personalized Approach for Every Child

No two children grow the same way — and no two treatment plans should look the same either. At Matza & Co. Orthodontics, every recommendation is based on careful evaluation, long-term planning, and individualized care designed around your child’s specific needs. Because orthodontics is not about creating identical smiles. It’s about creating healthy, functional, confident ones.

Your Questions Matter

If you’ve been wondering whether your child may need orthodontic care, summer is an excellent time to schedule an evaluation before the busy school year begins again.

Schedule a consultation at 561.368.3480
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @matzaorthodontics

At Matza & Co. Orthodontics, parents are guided with expertise, honesty, and a level of care built on decades of advanced orthodontic experience.