It’s common for parents to worry when they notice gaps between their baby’s teeth. In many cases, though, these spaces are completely normal and even beneficial for future oral development. Gaps often allow larger adult teeth to come in properly, so they aren’t always a cause for concern.
At My Kidz Dentist in Phoenix, Arizona, the experienced pediatric dental team helps parents understand what’s normal and when to seek orthodontic care. Here’s what you need to know about gapped baby teeth and whether they indicate a need for braces down the road.
It’s completely normal to see spaces between your baby’s teeth, especially the front ones. These gaps are helpful because they create room for the larger, permanent teeth that will come in later.
Our pediatric dentists often view this spacing as a positive sign of healthy oral development. It’s far more common for children with well-spaced baby teeth to experience smoother transitions as their adult teeth erupt.
Though gaps are common and often expected, overcrowding is typically more concerning. When baby teeth come in, tightly packed together, there may not be enough space in the jaw to accommodate the incoming adult teeth.
Crowded teeth can lead to crooked teeth, bite issues, or the need for braces down the line. If crowding is observed early, our dentists can monitor it and recommend early orthodontic intervention if needed.
Even though gaps are generally normal, certain patterns require closer evaluation. A few examples include:
Sometimes, a baby may not develop all their primary teeth, creating extra space that can affect alignment. This may lead to the shifting of nearby teeth or the delayed eruption of permanent teeth.
The small piece of tissue between the upper lip and front teeth (called the labial frenum) can sometimes grow too large and create a significant gap, known as a diastema. In some cases, a minor procedure called a frenectomy may be recommended to allow the front teeth to move closer together.
These behaviors can influence the position of teeth and widen gaps over time. If the habit continues after the toddler years, it may also affect jaw development and bite alignment.
If you notice a large gap between your child’s upper front teeth or suspect a developmental concern, a pediatric dental exam can help determine the cause.
Braces aren’t usually considered until the permanent teeth come in, typically between ages 7 and 13. However, early monitoring is key. Your child’s pediatric dentist will assess your child’s teeth and jaw development and identify any risk factors for misalignment or bite problems.
In some cases, early orthodontic intervention (also known as Phase I treatment) may be recommended to address issues with jaw growth or spacing before all adult teeth erupt.
Regular dental visits are the best way to determine whether your child might need braces later. At My Kidz Dentist, our team closely monitors spacing, jaw development, and bite alignment at every checkup. If orthodontic care is ever needed, we’ll guide you through the process and refer you to our orthodontics specialists when the time is right.
Call our office or book an appointment online.
