In young children, orthodontic work is usually focused on treating functional problems such as cross-bites, severe overcrowding, jaw growth problems, thumb sucking and snoring.
When should orthodontic treatment start?
The Australian Society of Orthodontics recommends a first assessment by a registered specialist orthodontist at around six or seven years of age, when the first adult teeth typically begin to appear and developmental problems may arise. Early treatment for young children usually focuses on addressing functional issues that could immediately affect the health of the teeth. A proactive approach may reduce or simplify the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later.
Conditions treated in early childhood include problems with tooth eruption, crossbites, severe overcrowding, jaw growth issues, snoring, and thumb-sucking.
Assessing your child’s orthodontic needs
Tooth extractions
Dental Crowding
Jaw growth & snoring
Frequently Asked Questions
What is early intervention orthodontics?
Early intervention orthodontics (sometimes called Phase 1 orthodontics) involves assessing and treating orthodontic concerns before all adult teeth have erupted. It focuses on guiding jaw growth, improving function, and creating the best foundation for your child’s permanent teeth.
At what age should my child be assessed?
A child is never too young for an orthodontic assessment. The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends an initial assessment around 6–7 years of age, when adult teeth start to emerge and developmental concerns can be identified early.
Does early intervention mean my child will need braces straight away?
Not necessarily. Many children are simply monitored with regular reviews every 6–12 months. If treatment is recommended, it is carefully timed to suit your child’s growth and development and may help reduce or simplify the need for braces later.
What problems can early intervention orthodontics address?
Early intervention may be recommended for:
-
Crowding or spacing issues
-
Crossbites or narrow upper jaw
-
Protruding front teeth (buck teeth)
-
Underbite or deep bite
-
Jaw growth or asymmetry concerns
-
Thumb sucking or other oral habits
-
Snoring or breathing concerns
-
Difficulty with tooth eruption
Why is early intervention important?
Treating orthodontic issues early allows us to work with your child’s natural growth, which can:
-
Improve jaw development
-
Create space for adult teeth
-
Reduce the need for tooth extractions
-
Lower the complexity of future orthodontic treatment
-
Support better breathing, sleep, and oral function
What are the benefits of early intervention orthodontics?
Early treatment may help to:
-
Minimise crowding as adult teeth erupt
-
Improve facial balance and jaw symmetry
-
Reduce the risk of impacted teeth
-
Improve oral hygiene and ease of cleaning
-
Lower the risk of dental trauma to protruding teeth
-
Support nasal breathing and airway development
-
Improve confidence and emotional wellbeing
-
Reduce or simplify orthodontic treatment later in life
What is sleep-disordered breathing in children?
Sleep-disordered breathing occurs when a child has difficulty breathing during sleep, which can disrupt their rest and oxygen levels. In some cases, this includes obstructive sleep apnoea, where breathing briefly stops during sleep.
What are the signs of sleep-disordered breathing?
Symptoms can vary but may include:
-
Snoring or loud breathing
-
Mouth breathing
-
Tooth grinding
-
Daytime fatigue or hyperactivity
-
Behavioural or learning difficulties
-
Night terrors, sleep walking, or bedwetting
-
Headaches or difficulty concentrating
How can orthodontics help with sleep-disordered breathing?
If breathing concerns are linked to a narrow upper jaw, orthodontic treatment such as a palatal expander may be recommended. Expanding the palate can increase nasal airway space and support improved breathing during sleep.
Who provides early intervention orthodontic treatment?
At Smile Solutions, early intervention orthodontics is provided by board-registered Specialist Orthodontists and Specialist Paediatric Dentists, who work collaboratively to manage your child’s care.
Both specialties undergo an additional 3–5 years of university training beyond general dentistry, ensuring a high level of expertise and child-focused care.
Meet our Specialist Orthodontists
At Smile Solutions your children’s orthodontic treatment will be carried out by one of our registered specialist orthodontists, not a general dentist.
Specialist orthodontists complete a postgraduate university degree specialising in tooth and jaw correction and these are the clinicians who will assess your suitability and perform your treatment. You can have complete confidence in the care you receive and the final outcome.
Early intervention orthodontic treatment is managed collaboratively by our specialist orthodontists and specialist paediatric dentists, all under one roof.
Contact Us
Contact Us
"*" indicates required fields