Guide to Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit

Orthodontic Treatment for Children

Your child’s first orthodontic assessment is an important step in setting the foundation for a healthy, beautiful smile. The early evaluation can help identify potential issues with tooth alignment, bite and facial development.

Early diagnosis can prevent more complex treatments later in life. In this article, our specialist orthodontists explain what you can expect during your child’s first orthodontic visit. They also share their insights on the benefits of early treatment.

What is The Best Age For My Child to See an Orthodontist?

Orthodontics Australia recommends that all children see an orthodontist between the ages of 7-10 years old. At this age, your child will typically have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. Your orthodontist can identify any emerging alignment or bite issues early.

Early intervention can help guide the growth of the jaw and reduce the need for more complex treatments in adolescence or adulthood. Resolving overcrowding, crossbites, or misaligned jaws at this age, can make it easier for permanent teeth to come in properly.

What is The Best Age For Orthodontic Treatment?

Children’s orthodontic treatment, also known as two-phase or interceptive treatment, can begin when your child still has baby teeth. If your child needs orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will explain the process in detail.

For young patients, the MP Orthodontics approach is to use the most conservative orthodontic treatments possible.

Does Early Assessment Mean Early Treatment?

An early orthodontic assessment doesn’t mean your child will start treatment immediately. Nor will it eliminate the requirement for future treatment. In fact, your child’s early assessment may indicate treatment commences in several years.

For this reason, your child’s first orthodontic visit is like insurance. It means you’ll have the information needed to make the right treatment choice for your child at the right time.

What to Expect From Your Child’s Orthodontic Assessment?

During your child’s first orthodontic assessment, you can expect a thorough evaluation of their dental and jaw development. Your orthodontist will begin by:

1. Reviewing relevant medical and dental history.
2. Conducting a thorough visual examination of their teeth, bite, and jaw alignment.
3. Imaging such as X-rays, photographs, and digital scans may also be used to get a clearer view of any underlying issues.
4. You will receive recommendations for the most suitable treatment plan if required. This generally includes a detailed explanation of the various alternatives available. 

What Are The Benefits of Early Assessment and Treatment?

For most children, outstanding results are possible without the need for two-phase orthodontic treatment. These include:

• Positively influence jaw growth and development
• Make space for adult teeth
• Expand the width of dental arches
• Reduce or eliminate the need for extraction or surgery
• Enhance

What is Two-phase Orthodontic Treatment?

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a comprehensive approach to correct tooth and jaw alignment. It typically begins while your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, usually between the ages of 7 and 10.

The second phase occurs after most of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually in early adolescence. Traditional braces or clear aligners are used to fine-tune tooth alignment, bite issues, and overall dental aesthetics.

This approach allows your orthodontist to achieve more stable, long-lasting results. It can also reduce the need for more invasive treatments later on.

What Happens if My Child Doesn’t Get The Treatment They Need?

Crowding and dental misalignment that isn’t treated can lead to more serious dental issues over time. Overcrowing makes teeth harder to maintain good oral hygiene increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Malocclusion, or improper bite alignment, can cause difficulty in chewing, speaking, and even breathing. Untreated issues may also lead to uneven wear on teeth and jaw pain.

One of the main benefits of early treatment is the way the body responds to treatment. As a child, the teeth, jaws and connective tissues are more receptive to change and respond quickly. As your child’s anatomy matures these tissues are less responsive and take longer to adapt.

If you’d like to speak to Dr Martin Poon or Dr Geoff Hall, speak to our team today.

Should I Get a Second Opinion?

A second opinion from an experienced orthodontist can be helpful when considering orthodontic treatment for your child. Our orthodontists can help you review all the options. They will discuss the treatment in detail and help you make the best decision for your child’s needs. 

MP Orthodontics is an orthodontic practice based in Cheltenham, Melbourne. Working from the belief that orthodontic treatment is much more than working with teeth and creating smiles, treating orthodontists – Dr Martin Poon and Dr Geoff Hall – approach patients as people first. Their approach is to work together and plan and implement treatment that meets each individual’s needs. Drawing on 30 plus years experience of helping children gain confidence through tailored treatment, MP Orthodontics, is a truly unique orthodontic practice.