As a parent, you are very possessive about your child & make sure that you provide with best in everything including education, health, technology, culture & A BEAUTIFUL SMILE.

And when it comes to their smile, orthodontic treatment can make a world of difference. But how do you know if your child is a candidate for braces or other orthodontic treatments?

OR

What is that age, when I need to see an orthodontist?

Relax We are here to care for your child’s teeth now, so their teeth can care for them later.
Let’s Talk in detail about each of your concerns.

Q. When should you first take your child to see an orthodontist?

A. The Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO) & Health Direct Australia recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. Early identification helps us plan the best course of action to correct these issues before they become more complicated.

Q. Why is age 7 considered the ideal age for an initial orthodontic evaluation?

A. At age 7, your child’s mouth has developed enough & they start getting permanent teeth, this is the right time for us to identify any potential issues with the growth and development of their teeth and jaws. Early detection allows us to guide the growth of the jaw and permanent teeth, which can prevent more severe problems later on.

Q. What are the signs that your child might need orthodontic treatment & how do you know that?

A. The bite tells all!

Observing how your child bites can reveal much about their dental health. Here are some common signs-

  • Crowded or overlapping or spacing between teeth: they are like traffic jams in your child’s mouth, blocking the smooth flow of oral health.
  • Bite issues: problems with how upper & lower jaw teeth approximate with each other, such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. It is like trying to close a drawer that’s out of alignment, these affect chewing and speaking.
  • Early or late loss of baby teeth: if your child loses baby teeth too early or too late, it can impact how the adult teeth come in.
  • Habits like: prolonged thumb or lip sucking (beyond age 4), consistent mouth breathing or snoring, nail-biting.
  • Difficulty in chewing or biting or speech: it could be a sign of a problem with their bite or certain alignment issues can affect their ability to pronounce words correctly.
Q. What are the benefits of starting treatment early?

A. Starting treatment early can simplify future treatments, reduce the need for any permanent tooth removal, and potentially avoid surgery. Your child could spend less time wearing braces and more time showing off their amazing smile, making them confident from an early age. And saves you from the heavy budget of longer & complicated treatments.

Q. What do we do during the initial orthodontic evaluation?

A. During the initial evaluation, we will examine your child’s teeth, jaws, and mouth. We may take X-rays, photographs, and impressions of their teeth to understand their specific needs. This helps us create a personalized treatment plan.

Q. Which orthodontic treatment is best for my child’s specific dental issues?

A. Orthodontic treatment is divided into 2 phases.
Phase One occurs between the ages of 7-10 years and consists of active treatment that typically lasts 12-18 months. This phase is directed more at your child’s muscles and jaw development than the teeth.
There is a resting period of 12-24 months followed by Phase Two which lasts 12-18 months. During this final phase of treatment, all baby teeth have been replaced by permanent teeth. Our focus is on correcting the positions of the teeth, closing spaces, etc.
Some children will not need Phase 1 treatment, we can be sure about it once you visit us at Cranbourne Dental Centre.

Q. How often should my child have follow-up evaluations if no treatment is needed right away?

A. If no immediate treatment is necessary, we typically recommend follow-up evaluations every 6 to 12 months. This allows us to monitor further development of your child’s teeth and jaws and catch any emerging issues early.

Q. Can orthodontic issues correct themselves without treatment?

A. Frankly speaking, minor issues may be resolved sometimes as your child grows. However, many orthodontic problems do not correct themselves and can worsen over time. Early evaluation and intervention are important to address these issues effectively.

Q. What if your child is older than 7 and hasn’t had an orthodontic evaluation yet?

A. It’s never too late for an orthodontic evaluation. While age 7 is ideal for early detection, older children and even adults can still benefit from orthodontic treatment.

“The best time to start was yesterday. THE NEXT BEST TIME IS NOW.”

Q. Are there any risks associated with starting treatment too early?

A. No there aren’t any risks, in fact starting treatment too early means identifying any future consequences before they occur & making further treatment simpler & shorter as your child grows. That’s why we carefully assess each child’s unique needs and growth patterns before recommending treatment. Our goal is to serve you with the most effective & sustainable long-lasting results.

Q. How can you prepare your child for their first orthodontic evaluation?

A. You can prepare your child by explaining that we (orthodontists) will look at their teeth to make sure they are growing in the right way. Reassure them that it’s a simple, painless process and that the goal is to keep their smile healthy and make them look more appealing.

Q. Will early orthodontic treatment affect your child’s activities, like playing sports or musical instruments?

A. Orthodontic treatment will not significantly affect your child’s ability to play sports or musical instruments. We can provide special mouthguards for sports to protect their braces and teeth. For musicians, most children adapt quickly to playing with braces.

Q. Will your 7-year-old child be able to adapt to the lifestyle with orthodontic treatment, and what changes will they need to make?

A. Absolutely, your 7-year-old can adapt to life with orthodontic treatment. I understand that you might be thinking it’s a big adjustment but really not, I’m here with you to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s look at the adaptation your child might need to make with braces and aligners, so you know exactly what to expect.

If it braces:

  • Avoid certain hard and sticky foods that can damage their braces. This includes things like popcorn, nuts, chewy candies, and hard candies. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of delicious options they can enjoy, like soft fruits, yogurt, and cheese.
  • Brush after every meal and floss daily to keep their teeth and gums healthy. We’ll show you both how to do this effectively and provide some handy tools to make it easier. DO YOU PROVIDE?
  • Occasionally, braces may cause some discomfort, especially after adjustments. We’ll provide you with tips on how to manage this, such as using orthodontic wax to cover any poking wires.

And if its aligners:

  • Your child will need to wear their aligners for about 20-22 hours a day, just removing them only for eating, drinking (anything other than water), and brushing. It might take a little getting used to, but most kids adapt very quickly.
  • Aligners need to be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria build-up. We’ll provide simple instructions on how to clean them, usually with a soft toothbrush and water. Your child will also need to brush and floss their teeth after every meal before putting the aligners back in.
  • Unlike braces, this has no dietary restrictions and more flexibility, which can make the adjustment easier.
Q. How can you support your child emotionally during orthodontic treatment?

A. Help them stay positive by focusing on the end result—a beautiful, healthy smile. Be patient and understanding, as it can be an adjustment period for them. Reassure them that many kids at their age wear braces and it’s a normal part of growing up. Share stories of others who have had successful orthodontic treatment and highlight the benefits of a healthy smile.

Also, we’re here to help make this journey smooth and comfortable for both you and your child. I assure with a little guidance and support; they’ll handle these changes just fine.

Q. What if my child has special needs? Can they still receive orthodontic treatment?

A. Absolutely, as each child is different, we tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each child, including those with special needs. We’ll work closely with you to ensure that your child feels comfortable and receives the best care.

I believe that now you have a clearer picture and greater confidence about starting orthodontic evaluations and treatments for your child.

Let’s give your child the gift of a confident & beautiful smile!

If there are any more concerns or specific situations, I’m here for you always!