Not all kids’ orthodontics starts in the teens as most people think, our orthodontic assessments are completed at every child’s examination, even as young as 2 years old!
Rather than watch a malocclusion (or a bad bite) grow adversely and look upon it as a ‘let’s deal with it when all the baby teeth have gone’ approach, well, we do the opposite. We note it early and treat at an age-appropriate time, as not to encounter complex and longer orthodontic treatment in the future.
Need your child’s crooked teeth assessed?
It is never too late and we’d be happy to help answer all of your questions.
Use our online booking system to lock in a complimentary appointment so we can check and assess your child’s orthodontic needs.
If your young child requires early orthodontics this is called Phase 1 orthodontics or interceptive orthodontics. As mentioned earlier, this is when we action a malocclusion as soon as it appears.
However, some malocclusions that arise from sucking a thumb, may simply need monitoring, and as the child grows and the habit stops, the malocclusion may self-correct.
We have a number of ways to treat a malocclusion depending on the type and severity, these include removable, fixed appliances and fixed braces. We also liaise with other professions such as physiotherapists and speech therapists for a holistic orthodontic approach.
If you are concerned about your child’s teeth or jaws, book an appointment online for a complimentary consult by calling our friendly team on (03) 9589 4472.
Frequently Asked Children's Orthodontics Questions
What age is appropriate for orthodontics?
It is never too late to start orthodontic treatment but the earlier a malocclusion (imperfect positioning of teeth) is diagnosed, then the earlier the intervention to achieve a healthy bite and correct facial development. We need clear airways for this to occur. If airways are blocked or obstructed a child will not breathe through their nose correctly and therefore the orthodontic balance of top and bottom jaws are disrupted.
Early assessments are as early as 6 years old, this does not mean we start treatment then, but a prediction to when we do.
Should my 9 year old get braces?
This cannot be decided without an orthodontic consult, by either ourselves at Bayside Family Dentistry, or an orthodontist.
Orthodontic assessment records are required to determine the severity of the orthodontic problem, when to start treatment and how long it will take. Ask us more on (03) 95894472
What age is the youngest a child can get braces?
We do not normally start orthodontic treatment until 6 years old at the very earliest, or until the first adult molars have fully erupted to establish the back bite. This is because we need to utilise the back adult molars for anchorage for removable braces or partial braces.
Need your child’s crooked teeth assessed?
It is never too late and we’d be happy to help answer all of your questions.
Use our online booking system to lock in a complimentary appointment so we can check and assess your child’s orthodontic needs.
