Parents across Glen Waverley often ask us the same question: “When should my child first see an orthodontist?”
The answer is earlier than most expect — and catching small issues early can make a huge difference in your child’s smile and confidence later in life.
According to the Australian Society of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic assessment around age 7.
At this age, permanent teeth begin to emerge while the jaw is still developing — the perfect time to identify problems such as:
- Crowding or spacing issues
- Crossbites or overbites
- Thumb-sucking or mouth-breathing habits
- Early loss of baby teeth
At The Orthodontic Centre, Glen Waverley, our early assessments allow us to guide jaw growth naturally and reduce the need for complex treatments later.
Benefits of Early Assessment
Early orthodontic evaluation offers major advantages:
- Prevention of major issues – early guidance can stop bite problems before they worsen.
- Reduced treatment time later – early correction often means simpler braces later.
- Healthy jaw development – balanced growth can prevent surgery in adolescence.
- Boosted confidence – early care helps kids feel good about their smiles.
What Happens at the First Visit
Our initial consultation is calm and educational. We’ll:
- Take digital X-rays and 3D scans (no uncomfortable impressions!)
- Evaluate jaw growth and bite alignment
- Discuss findings clearly with parents
- Create a tailored treatment or monitoring plan
Most children don’t need braces straight away — many simply join our “growth & guidance” program with periodic check-ups.
FAQ
Not usually. We may simply monitor their development every 6–12 months until it’s time for treatment.
It’s never too late! We treat children, teens, and adults across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
Call (03) 7049 9095 or book online here.
