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The Role of Genetics in Orthodontic Needs: Why Family History Matters

Making Smiles Inside & Out

Braces In SUMMERFIELD, NC
  • Robert Stoner Orthodontics
  • June 30, 2025

Have you ever wondered why some families seem to have generations of perfect smiles while others struggle with crowded teeth or bite issues? Genetics play a major role in orthodontic needs, influencing everything from jaw structure to tooth alignment. If a parent needed braces, there’s a good chance their child might, too.

At Robert Stoner Orthodontics, we consider family history when evaluating a patient’s orthodontic needs. Understanding the genetic factors behind misaligned teeth and jaw development can help patients and parents make informed decisions about treatment.

How Genetics Influence Orthodontic Issues

Many orthodontic concerns are hereditary, meaning they can be passed down through generations. Some of the most common genetically influenced orthodontic issues include:

1. Jaw Size and Alignment

One of the biggest factors in orthodontic needs is jaw size and shape. If a child inherits a small jaw from one parent and large teeth from another, they may experience crowding. On the other hand, if the jaw is too large for the teeth, spacing issues may occur.

Genetics can also contribute to bite problems, such as:

  • Overbites, where the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth
  • Underbites, where the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth
  • Crossbites, where upper and lower teeth do not align correctly

If parents or grandparents had these bite issues, children may be more likely to develop them as well.

2. Tooth Size and Shape

The size and shape of teeth vary from person to person, and genetics determine whether teeth are:

  • Too large for the mouth, leading to crowding
  • Too small, creating gaps and spacing issues
  • Unusually shaped, which can affect bite function

Some genetic conditions, like peg laterals, cause certain teeth—especially upper lateral incisors—to be smaller than normal or even missing altogether.

3. Extra or Missing Teeth

Some people are born with extra teeth (supernumerary teeth) or missing teeth (congenitally missing teeth) due to genetic factors. These conditions can affect alignment and may require orthodontic treatment, extractions, or dental implants to correct spacing issues.

4. Timing of Tooth Eruption

Genetics also influence when baby teeth fall out and when permanent teeth come in. If a child’s teeth erupt too early or too late, it can affect how the rest of the teeth develop. Late tooth eruption may result in crowding, as other teeth shift into the available space before the permanent tooth emerges.

Why Family History Matters in Orthodontics

If a parent or sibling has had braces, it’s likely that other family members will also need orthodontic treatment. This is why early orthodontic evaluations are recommended, even before all permanent teeth have erupted.

Early Evaluation and Treatment

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up by age seven. This allows orthodontists to:

  • Monitor jaw growth and tooth development
  • Identify potential alignment issues early
  • Create a treatment plan that may prevent more severe problems later

If orthodontic issues run in your family, early intervention can reduce treatment time and improve outcomes.

Predicting Treatment Needs Based on Family History

If parents had braces, their children may need them as well. However, not all inherited traits result in orthodontic issues. Other factors, such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and poor oral habits, can also contribute to misalignment.

Orthodontists use digital imaging, X-rays, and 3D scans to assess jaw development and tooth alignment. While genetics provide a foundation, every patient’s treatment plan is customized based on their unique dental structure.

Can Orthodontic Issues Be Prevented?

While genetics influence orthodontic needs, there are steps parents can take to support proper dental development in children:

  • Encourage good oral habits – Avoid thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use, which can impact bite alignment.
  • Monitor early tooth loss – If a baby tooth is lost too early, space maintainers may be needed to prevent shifting.
  • Maintain regular dental check-ups – Routine visits help track tooth eruption and catch issues early.
  • Consider early orthodontic treatment – Some problems, like severe crowding or jaw misalignment, can be corrected more easily in childhood before bones fully develop.

Genetics play a major role in determining whether someone will need orthodontic treatment, but modern orthodontics offers customized solutions for every patient. Whether an issue is inherited or develops over time, braces, Invisalign, and other orthodontic treatments can correct misalignment, improve function, and enhance confidence at any age.

At Robert Stoner Orthodontics, we take family history into account when developing treatment plans. If you or your child has a history of orthodontic issues in the family, early evaluation can help determine the best course of action.

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We are passionate about serving our patients with the highest level of care possible. Check out what our patients are saying about their 5-star experience with us!

Abby L.
they were so so kind and amazing and very helpful!!
Adriane H.
Today I officially graduated from wearing my retainers. I had a wonderful journey with the whole team. I laughed and had a great time with all the ladies and Dr Stoner. They made me feel comfortable each visit. And I walked away with a beautiful smile!. Thank you to the whole staff for being so awesome!.
Jallon T.
My second time getting braces here and it went amazing! Thank you ! For making my smile perfect again
Emily F.
Working with Dr Stoner and his staff has been a wonderful experience.
The staff has been so kind and so well organized. Dr Stoner was great to explain each process and the outcome of treatment is what we hoped for and more!
Would recommend to anyone anytime to come here!!!
Andrea M.
Very professional and kind. Made my invisalign journey easy.
Valencia H.
I had such a great experience! The entire team is awesome and so happy with my new smile!
Samuel C.
Very nice and supportive people very glad I got my braces done here never felt better
Amber C.
I absolutely love this place. The staff is amazing. Shout out to Leslee for taking care of me, and Lindsey for keeping up with the progress! I came into the office to get my teeth straighter and to loose my gap and Stoner and his team has not disappointed at all. Highly recommend
Amy Q.
We have been at this practice for 10 years with four children. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else for our family's orthodontic treatment. The staff is phenomenal and the care is second to none!! Our smiles say it all!
Iris M.
Dr. Stoner and his associates are the best. I came in with teeth spreaded out in all directions. I’m happy to say they are now all perfect and straight. They are the best and I’m truly happy and grateful!
Amie C.
Great experience - the entire team is a friendly, helpful. They are easy to work with and have made this experience exceptional.
Latoria Robinson (.
They are so nice in the office. They are very helpful with helping you understand everything they have to do and it’s no rush with the work. I would tell anyone and everyone to go. My teeth looks so great until it makes me want to cry. I just love smiling now and will continue to do so. Anyone that’s need dental work on their teeth. I will say go see them as soon as possible
Brittany G.
Stoner Orthodontics has been amazing for our daughter’s aligners' journey. The staff is kind, professional, and very welcoming. Dr. Stoner explained everything clearly and made the process easy. Our daughter’s smile looks fantastic—we’re so happy with the results!
Chantay P.
I am very pleased with the staff and the services provided for the past two years my teeth look amazing and I’m very grateful to this practice for all they’ve done to help me
Lauren B.
I have had an awesome experience with Dr. Stoner and his staff! Highly recommend!
Kaelin B.
Very sweet people !! Answer every question I asked and made sure I understood everything!!
Carly M.
We have loved our experience! I would highly recommend!
Delaiah C.
110% would recommend Dr. Stoner and team!! They made a long invisalign process so much less stressful by being open communicators and always super friendly.
Ashleigh F.
Whew! Where do I start?! First of all Dr Stoner is AMAZING!! So friendly so personable and professional. I was in bad shape when I came in 2023 and him and his entire team took care of me from the beginning. I just finished my Angel Aligner treatment and I’m completely speechless. Moved to Vegas and they still made sure my treatment was flawless!! He’s a true perfectionist so just trust the process. I love my smile so much and truly recommend if you want top tier orthodontic treatment. Ashley Lindsay Ali Leslee Meredith omg I can’t name you all! From front desk to treatment floor I cannot thank you all enough. Fighting tears as I type this❤️
Amy L.
We love Robert Stoner Ortho and all of his staff. All of our children have beautiful smiles thanks to them!
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  • 1304 Beaman Place Greensboro, NC 27408

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  • 6161 Lake Brandt Rd. Suite D Greensboro, NC 27455

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Tuesday7:30am – 4:30pm
Wednesday7:30am – 4:30pm
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