Jun 20, 2025

When should my child visit the orthodontist?

Name: L&L Orthodontics
Telephone: (03) 9650 0037

As parents, we do our best to stay on top of our children’s health, from GP visits to regular dental check-ups. But did you know, the Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up around the age of 7?

When should my child visit the orthodontist?

While this might sound early, it’s the right time for a professional assessment of your child’s developing teeth and jaws. Early evaluation can play a crucial role in identifying (and often preventing) orthodontic problems before they become more complex.

Why age 7?

By age 7, most children have a mix of baby and adult teeth. This gives an Orthodontist the unique opportunity to check that everything is developing on track, including how your child’s bite is functioning, whether there’s enough room for adult teeth, and if the jaws are growing in harmony.

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 benefit from early orthodontic care

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

The benefits of early intervention

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, but there are some real advantages to starting early:

Guides jaw growth

Children’s bones are still developing, making it easier to guide jaw growth and create proper alignment. Early intervention can help correct jaw discrepancies, potentially reducing the need for more invasive treatments later in life.

Create space for emerging teeth

Sometimes, a child’s mouth may not have enough space for incoming adult teeth. Early treatment can help create room, reducing the risk of crowding and the need for tooth extractions.

Reducing the Risk of Future Dental Problems

Misaligned teeth can lead to difficulties with chewing, speaking, and maintaining proper oral hygiene. By addressing these issues early, orthodontic treatment can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and excessive wear on teeth.

Correcting Incorrect Jaw Growth

A crossbite can cause the jaw to grow in the wrong direction or asymmetrically. Correction of the crossbite can correct this.

Correcting Harmful Habits

Thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting can impact dental development. Early orthodontic treatment can help address these habits before they cause long-term issues.

Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem

A straighter smile can do wonders for a child’s confidence. Addressing alignment concerns early can prevent self-consciousness about crooked teeth as they grow older.

Best of all, early treatment can reduce the complexity (and cost) of orthodontic care later in life.

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.

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