Kids Orthodontist

Early orthodontic care allows us to assess how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing and determine the right timing for treatment. A kids orthodontist focuses on guiding growth, correcting bite issues, and planning braces for kids when appropriate.

The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic assessment around age seven. At this stage, adult teeth are beginning to emerge, making it possible to detect developing alignment or jaw concerns early.

An early review does not always mean immediate braces. In many cases, monitoring growth is all that is needed.

When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

While age seven is the general guideline, earlier assessment may be helpful if you notice:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Protruding front teeth
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
• Mouth breathing
• Thumb sucking beyond age five
• Jaws that appear uneven or shift when closing

These signs may indicate developing bite concerns that benefit from child orthodontics.

During the consultation, we assess:

• Jaw growth and facial balance
• Bite alignment (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
• Spacing and crowding
• Eruption patterns of adult teeth

Some children begin treatment early. Others are reviewed periodically until the timing is right.

What Is Child Orthodontics?

Child orthodontics focuses not only on straightening teeth, but also on guiding jaw development.

Because children are still growing, we can sometimes:

• Expand a narrow upper jaw
• Correct crossbites
• Manage space for adult teeth
• Reduce trauma risk from prominent teeth

This early approach is often called Phase 1 or interceptive orthodontics.

More information about children’s oral development is available through Healthdirect Australia.