If you’re wondering when your child should see an orthodontist, whether they might need braces, or if it’s too early to start thinking about treatment, you’re not alone.
For many parents, children’s orthodontics can feel like a whole new world. There are questions about timing, treatment options, costs, braces, aligners and what happens if your child is still growing.
The good news is that seeing an orthodontist does not always mean your child needs treatment straight away. Sometimes the best next step is simply keeping an eye on how their teeth and bite are developing and waiting until the timing is right.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key things parents need to know about children’s orthodontics, from the first assessment through to braces, clear aligners, retainers and life after treatment.
What is children’s orthodontics?
Children’s orthodontics focuses on the development and alignment of a child’s teeth, bite and jaws as they grow.
A Specialist Orthodontist can assess:
- How adult teeth are erupting
- Crowding or spacing
- Overbites, underbites and crossbites
- The relationship between the upper and lower jaws
- Protruding teeth
- Missing, impacted or incorrectly positioned teeth
- Oral habits that may affect dental development
- Whether there is enough space for developing adult teeth
Because children are still growing, orthodontists can also monitor changes that would not be possible to assess in the same way once growth is complete.
What age should my child see an orthodontist?
A useful time for a first orthodontic assessment is around seven to eight years of age.
At this stage, children usually have a mixture of baby and adult teeth. This allows an orthodontist to assess how their adult teeth and jaws are developing before all permanent teeth have erupted.
Importantly, seeing an orthodontist at seven does not mean your child will need braces at seven.
For many children, the recommendation will simply be to monitor their development and review them periodically. This can help your orthodontist identify an appropriate time for treatment if it becomes necessary.
Learn more in our guide: When Should My Child First See an Orthodontist?
What are the signs my child may need an orthodontic assessment?
Sometimes your dentist will recommend seeing an orthodontist. Parents may also notice changes themselves.
An orthodontic assessment may be worthwhile if your child has:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Large spaces between teeth
- Upper teeth that protrude noticeably
- An underbite, deep bite, open bite or crossbite
- Adult teeth that are not erupting as expected
- Baby teeth that are lost unusually early or remain much longer than expected
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- A jaw that shifts when they bite
- Persistent thumb or finger sucking
- Concerns about the way their teeth or jaws are developing
These signs do not necessarily mean treatment will be required. A consultation allows an orthodontist to assess what is happening and determine whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.
What is early orthodontic treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, sometimes called interceptive orthodontics or Phase 1 treatment, is treatment performed while a child still has some baby teeth and is continuing to grow.
It is recommended only for certain orthodontic problems.
Depending on the diagnosis, early treatment may be considered to help manage concerns such as:
- Certain crossbites
- Significant protrusion of the front teeth
- Developing jaw discrepancies
- Severe crowding or space problems
- Some eruption problems
- Dental development affected by certain oral habits
The goal is not necessarily to straighten every tooth at a young age. Instead, treatment may focus on addressing a particular developmental issue at a time when intervention may be clinically useful. Treatment options could include a Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE), a space maintainer, Invisalign First clear aligners or Spark Junior clear aligners.
Many children do not require Phase 1 treatment at all.
What happens if my child does not need treatment yet?
Sometimes, your child may not need orthodontic treatment straight away.
If that’s the case, your orthodontist may recommend regular growth and development reviews. These appointments give us the opportunity to keep an eye on how your child’s teeth, bite and jaws are changing as they grow.
We may monitor things like:
- How their adult teeth are coming through
- Changes in their bite and jaw growth
- Whether there is enough space for permanent teeth
- Teeth that are taking longer to erupt or developing in an unusual position
For parents, these reviews can provide reassurance that your child’s development is being monitored without starting treatment before it is needed.
If treatment is recommended later, we can then talk you through the timing and options that may be suitable for your child.
When do children usually get braces?
There is no single ideal age for braces.
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment commonly begins once most or all permanent teeth have erupted, which is often around age 11 or 12. However, the timing varies between children.
The right time depends on factors including:
- Your child’s orthodontic diagnosis
- Which adult teeth have erupted
- Their jaw growth and development
- The type and complexity of the bite problem
- The treatment being considered
- Your child’s ability to manage and care for an orthodontic appliance
Your orthodontist will recommend timing based on your child’s individual development rather than age alone.
Learn more: Is There a Best Age for Orthodontic Treatment?
What types of orthodontic treatment are available for children?
Treatment will depend on your child’s age, development and orthodontic needs.
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces remain a widely used option for children and teenagers.
Brackets are attached to the teeth and connected with an archwire, allowing the orthodontist to gradually guide tooth movement.
LightForce 3D Custom Braces
LightForce braces use digitally planned, custom-made brackets designed for each patient’s teeth.
At L&L Orthodontics, LightForce is one of the braces options we may recommend depending on your child’s treatment needs and preferences.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners may also be suitable for some children and teenagers.
They are removable, which can make eating and toothbrushing easier, but they need to be worn consistently for treatment to progress as planned.
Suitability depends on the orthodontic problem being treated and whether your child is likely to manage the responsibilities of removable aligners.
Other orthodontic appliances
Some children may require another type of appliance before or alongside braces or aligners.
These can include expanders, functional appliances, space-maintaining appliances or other devices selected for a particular orthodontic concern.
Your orthodontist will explain why an appliance is being recommended and what role it plays in your child’s treatment.
Braces or clear aligners: which is better for children?
Neither option is automatically better.
Braces may be more appropriate when the orthodontist requires an appliance that remains fixed to the teeth or where particular tooth movements are required.
Clear aligners can be a convenient option for suitable patients who are able to wear and care for them consistently.
The decision should be based on your child’s diagnosis, treatment needs, age, preferences and ability to manage the appliance, together with the recommendation of their orthodontist.
Does my child need a Specialist Orthodontist?
Orthodontists are dentists who have completed additional specialist university training in orthodontics and are registered as specialists.
Their training focuses specifically on diagnosing and managing tooth alignment, bite and jaw development.
You do not need a referral from your dentist to make an appointment with a Specialist Orthodontist.
Learn more: Dentist vs Orthodontist: What’s the Difference?
What happens at a child’s first orthodontic consultation?
At L&L Orthodontics, the first appointment is designed to understand your concerns and assess your child’s teeth, bite and development.
Depending on their needs, the consultation may include:
- A discussion about your child’s dental history and your concerns
- Digital photographs and imaging
- Diagnostic X-rays where clinically appropriate
- An examination by a Specialist Orthodontist
- A discussion about whether treatment is needed
- Recommended timing and possible treatment options
- Information about treatment fees and payment options
If treatment is not recommended yet, we can explain what we will monitor and when we would like to review your child again.
How long does children’s orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment time varies.
A short phase of interceptive treatment may have a very different timeline from comprehensive braces or clear aligner treatment during the teenage years.
Factors that can affect treatment duration include:
- The type and complexity of the orthodontic problem
- Your child’s stage of growth
- The movements required
- The appliance being used
- How consistently removable appliances or elastics are worn
- Oral health and attendance at appointments
Your orthodontist can provide an individual estimate once your child has been assessed.
How can parents support their child during orthodontic treatment?
Parents can make a meaningful difference by helping children develop good routines.
Encourage your child to:
- Brush carefully around braces or attachments
- Continue regular dental check-ups
- Follow instructions for elastics or removable appliances
- Attend scheduled orthodontic appointments
- Tell you if something feels broken or uncomfortable
- Follow food recommendations if wearing fixed braces
It can also help to involve children in discussions about their treatment. Understanding what is happening can make orthodontic care feel less daunting for patients.
Related:
What happens after braces or aligners?
Once active orthodontic treatment finishes, retainers are usually recommended to help maintain the position of the teeth.
Teeth can continue to move throughout life, which is why retention is considered an ongoing part of orthodontic care.
Your orthodontist will recommend the most appropriate type of retainer and explain how often it should be worn.
Learn more: Why Are Retainers Important After Orthodontic Treatment?
Frequently asked questions about children’s orthodontics
Does every child need braces?
No. Whether orthodontic treatment is recommended depends on your child’s teeth, bite and jaw development. Some children only require monitoring.
Can my child see an orthodontist before all their adult teeth come through?
Yes. In fact, an earlier assessment can allow an orthodontist to evaluate developing teeth and jaw growth before all permanent teeth have erupted.
Do we need a dentist referral?
No. Parents can make an appointment directly with a Specialist Orthodontist.
Will my child need teeth removed for braces?
Not necessarily. Whether extractions are recommended depends on factors such as crowding, tooth position, bite and facial proportions. Your orthodontist will discuss this with you if it forms part of the proposed treatment plan.
Can children play sport with braces?
Usually, yes. A suitable orthodontic mouthguard may be recommended for contact or collision sports.
Learn more in our guide: Orthodontics and Sport: Why Mouthguards Are Important.
Supporting your child through their orthodontic journey
Every child develops differently, which is why there is no universal age, appliance or treatment plan that is right for everyone.
An early orthodontic assessment can provide parents with a clearer understanding of how their child’s teeth and jaws are developing. Sometimes treatment may be recommended. Often, the most appropriate next step is simply to monitor growth and wait.
At L&L Orthodontics, our Specialist Orthodontists provide orthodontic care for children and teenagers at our Melbourne CBD and Templestowe clinics. We take the time to explain what we are seeing, what your options are and whether treatment is recommended now or in the future.
If you have questions about your child’s teeth, bite or dental development, you can book an orthodontic consultation to have them individually assessed.
Orthodontic treatment recommendations, timing and outcomes vary between patients. A consultation is required to assess your child’s individual orthodontic needs and suitability for treatment.