does a child with gappy teeth need braces

[Chilto]

Ds 14 has gappy teeth. A 1-2mm gap between the front 2 and gaps between some of the others. (the opposite of overcrowding). is this the sort of thing kids have braces for? When I was young (90s) nearly everyone had braces at some point, so I think he'd have had them if living then. But I'm under the impression that things have tightened since? We can't afford private so would need to be NHS. I know we can ask the dentist but want to get an idea if likely to get them on NHS first as don't want to make ds self conscious by mentioning the gaps if nothing can be done

[TallulahBetty]

Very unlikely on the NHS if it is just cosmetic.

[VanWeezer]

My DD has gappy teeth. Sounds quite similar to your child.

We were referred to the orthodontist about a year ago. Last week we had an appointment with the orthodontist. In and out within 10 minutes. As her teeth are aligned just gappy this does not warrant NHS dentistry. I could have it done privately but we declined.

You could always ask your dentist but it's likely to be a no, if it's just gaps.

My DD likes her gaps so isn't self conscious of them. We have always been positive about them

[Wolfpa]

There is every possibility that the gaps will fix themselves once their wisdom teeth come in.

[checkedroses]

Our dentist refers all kids to the orthodontist for assessment at about 11-12ish. Mine had gappy teeth which he didn’t like and I was expecting to pay privately as I thought it was just cosmetic. Turned out he had some other alignment issues as well and when the orthodontist applied for NHS funding he was accepted (I think he was borderline but just the right side)
The gaps weren’t the reason for the treatment but the braces did fix them as well. Maybe worth asking for a referral anyway (you could sell it to your child as just routine for everyone). NB we’re in Scotland so not sure if that makes a difference.

[Monstermunchy]

@Chilto does he have all his adult teeth? I mean, is he missing any permanently? Or is it just a spacing issue? My dc is under the dental hospital as his gappy teeth are because he's actually missing a few adult teeth so he has some serious brace action going on!

[Chilto]

Thanks all
@Monstermunchy no - all teeth are there- just gappy. I think I will mention it at his next dental check-up to get the dentist opinion

[ohthejoys21]

Mine had a brace for this, yes we had to go privately as it's cosmetic. My dd wasn't sure at the time as she liked blowing out water through the gap when she was swimming. She looked very cute but much more grown up when the gap was closed.