What Age Should My Child Have Their First Orthodontic Assessment?

Wondering when to book your child’s first orthodontic assessment in Panania? You do not need to wait until all their adult teeth have come through. An early check can help you understand how their teeth and bite are developing.

The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic assessment between 7 and 10 years of age. At this stage, most children have a mix of baby and adult teeth, allowing the clinician to assess their bite and how their teeth and jaws are developing. If you have concerns earlier, speak with your dentist rather than waiting for a particular birthday.

What happens during a first orthodontic assessment?

An early assessment does not necessarily mean your child needs braces straight away. In many cases, the next step is to monitor dental development and review progress at an appropriate time.

The clinician will examine your child’s teeth, bite and jaw development, and discuss concerns such as persistent thumb sucking or difficulty chewing. X-rays or other records may be recommended when clinically needed. Your dentist can also explain whether a referral to a specialist orthodontist would be appropriate.

Signs worth discussing with your dentist

Arrange a discussion if you notice:

• Crowded, crooked or overlapping teeth.
• Upper and lower teeth that do not meet comfortably, including a possible crossbite or underbite.
• Prominent front teeth.
• Baby teeth lost unusually early or late, or adult teeth not coming through as expected.
• Difficulty biting or chewing.
• Concerns about jaw growth or symmetry.
• Persistent thumb or finger sucking.
• Ongoing mouth breathing.

These signs do not automatically mean orthodontic treatment is needed. Some problems, including teeth that are impacted beneath the gums, can only be identified through a clinical assessment. Mouth breathing also has several possible causes and may need medical assessment as well as dental advice.

How can an early assessment help?

An assessment helps you understand whether your child needs monitoring, treatment or specialist advice, and why a particular timing may be recommended.

For selected children, early treatment with an orthodontic plate, expander or another appliance may help address a specific bite or space problem while the teeth and jaws are developing. These treatments are not suitable for every child, and early treatment does not guarantee that braces will be avoided later.

When do children usually have braces?

Comprehensive orthodontic treatment often takes place during adolescence, once enough permanent teeth have erupted. There is no single starting age that suits every child.

Treatment timing depends on dental development, jaw growth, oral health and the problem being addressed. An early assessment helps establish a plan without committing your child to immediate treatment.

Book a first orthodontic assessment in Panania

If you have questions about your child’s teeth or bite, contact our team to arrange an assessment and discuss the next steps.

Panania Dental Surgery
151 Tower Street, Panania NSW 2213
Call: (02) 9773 9132
Email: pananiadentalsurgery@gmail.com
Contact our Panania team

Learn more about orthodontic care at Panania Dental Surgery, including options for children, teenagers and adults.

Further reading

• Australian Dental Association: Teeth straightening and braces
• Orthodontics Australia: Kids and Orthodontics
• Healthdirect: Dental braces and retainers

Image: AI-generated; does not depict an actual patient.