Early orthodontic checks in Wagga Wagga

The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends that children have an initial orthodontic consultation at around 7–8 years of age, so that developing problems with the teeth, jaws or bite can be identified before they fully develop.

What an early check involves

• Early screening. Children start treatment at different ages. Treating at the right time for your child can make treatment simpler, and we'll advise if and when treatment is needed.
• Early detection. Smaller problems can be picked up before they become more complex.
• Early treatment, where it helps. For some children, early treatment may reduce the need for treatment later, or make later treatment shorter.
• Monitoring. If your child isn't ready for orthodontics yet, we monitor their teeth and growth so we can advise on the right time to begin.

What is the best age for braces?

Orthodontic treatment can be carried out at any age, but there is a suitable time to start that is different for everyone. Starting at the right time can help keep treatment as simple as possible. At an early age treatment often isn't needed, but regular checks help us judge when to begin.

Why see an orthodontist so young?

An early assessment allows timely detection of problems. In some children, early treatment can help guide growth and may reduce the chance of some problems becoming more complex. When treatment isn't needed, we can monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it's appropriate.

When should I book?

Signs of many orthodontic problems can be seen from around 7 or 8 years of age, and a common age for early screening is 8 or 9. You don't need a referral.

Interceptive treatment

In suitable cases, interceptive treatment may help to:

• create room for crowded, erupting teeth
• guide jaw growth
• reduce the risk of injury to protruding front teeth
• preserve space for teeth that have not come through yet
• reduce the need for tooth removal
• shorten later treatment with braces