When Should My Child First Visit the Orthodontist?
As your child grows, their teeth and jaws go through a lot of changes. Alongside regular dental check-ups, you may be wondering when it’s the right time for their first orthodontic assessment. The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic assessment at around age 7. This doesn’t mean your child will need orthodontic treatment at this age. For many children, the first visit is simply an opportunity to assess how their teeth, bite and jaws are developing and determine whether any monitoring is needed as they grow. So, why age 7, and what might an orthodontist look for? Here’s what parents need to know. Why Age 7? By around age 7, many children have a mix of baby and adult teeth. This gives an orthodontist an opportunity to assess how the teeth are emerging, how the upper and lower teeth fit together and how the jaws are developing. An orthodontist may look at: How the adult teeth are emerging Whether there is crowding or spacing How the upper and lower teeth bite together Jaw growth and development The position of emerging adult teeth Habits such as prolonged thumb sucking that may be affecting dental development Dr. Igor Lavrin, a Specialist Orthodontist at L&L Orthodontics, explains “in most cases, we do not need to do anything at age 7 but it is important for us to continue to monitor during growth to get the right timing to begin orthodontic treatment for your child”. Signs Your Child May Need an Orthodontic Assessment While every child develops differently, some common signs that may indicate a need for early orthodontic intervention include: Crowded or crooked teeth Uneven spacing Protruding front teeth Difficulty chewing or biting Underbite or overbite Crossbite Thumb-sucking after age 6 Early or late loss of baby teeth Teeth potentially getting stuck or impacted Shifting of the jaw when opening or closing the mouth These signs don’t necessarily mean your child will need orthodontic treatment. An assessment allows an orthodontist to determine whether treatment, monitoring or no action is appropriate at that stage. When Might Early Orthodontic Treatment Be Recommended? Most children who have an orthodontic assessment at age 7 won’t need treatment straight away. However, there are some situations where an orthodontist may recommend treatment while a child is still growing. Depending on the individual child, early orthodontic treatment may be considered to: Manage certain bite problems, such as some crossbites Address particular jaw growth or development concerns Create or maintain space for emerging adult teeth in some circumstances Manage certain problems with the position or eruption of adult teeth Address oral habits that are affecting the development of the teeth or bite Whether early treatment is appropriate depends on your child’s individual orthodontic needs. In other cases, monitoring growth and development may be the most appropriate approach. Does My Child Need a Dentist Referral to See an Orthodontist? No, you don’t need a dentist referral to book an orthodontic consultation at L&L Orthodontics. Your child’s dentist and orthodontist have different but complementary roles. Regular dental check-ups remain important for monitoring your child’s general oral health, while a Specialist Orthodontist focuses on the development and alignment of the teeth, bite and jaws. Every Child is Different Not every child will need early orthodontic treatment, but an early assessment gives you peace of mind and helps your child become familiar with our team and environment. Should they need braces or clear aligners in their teens, they’ll already feel comfortable and supported in our care. What Happens at Your Child’s First Orthodontic Assessment? Your child’s first orthodontic visit is an opportunity for the orthodontic team to assess their developing teeth, bite and jaws and talk with you about any concerns. Depending on your child’s needs, the appointment may include a clinical examination and diagnostic records such as photographs, digital scans or X-rays. Your orthodontist will then explain what they’ve found and whether they recommend treatment, monitoring or no action at this stage. We’re Here to Help At L&L Orthodontics, we’ve cared for thousands of children and families at different stages of their orthodontic journey. Our Specialist Orthodontists provide personalised care based on each child’s teeth, bite and stage of development. And did you know you don’t need a dentist referral to see an orthodontist? School holiday appointments can be popular, so if you’re planning an orthodontic consultation during the break, we recommend booking ahead to find a time that suits your family. Consultation required to assess eligibility. Our orthodontists will advise whether treatment is suitable for you.