Many parents assume orthodontic treatment is something to think about once all the adult teeth have come through, usually in the early teens. That’s often when braces or aligners begin. But a check much earlier with a dentist in New Gisborne can pick up developing problems while your child’s jaw is still growing. Some of those problems are simpler to manage at that stage.
So what’s the right age, and what happens at an early check? Here’s what parents need to know.
The Short Answer: Around Age 7
Many orthodontic organisations recommend that children have their first orthodontic assessment by around age seven. The American Association of Orthodontists is one of them.
This doesn’t mean your child will need braces at seven. Most children don’t. The aim is simply to check how the teeth and jaws are developing, so any issues can be monitored or treated at the most suitable time.
Why Age 7?
By around seven, several important developmental changes are usually happening:
- The first adult molars have usually come through. These help set the pattern of the bite, so we can see how the upper and lower teeth meet.
- The front adult teeth are coming in. This shows early signs of crowding, spacing or teeth coming through in the wrong position.
- The jaws are still growing. Some problems with jaw width or position are easier to guide while growth is ongoing.
- There’s still a mix of baby and adult teeth. This gives a useful picture of how much space is available for the teeth still to come.
What Can an Early Check Pick Up?
An early assessment can help identify:
- Crossbites. Upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which can sometimes cause the jaw to shift to one side.
- Underbites. The lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth.
- Protruding front teeth. These are more prone to chips and injuries during play or sport.
- Severe crowding. There isn’t enough room for adult teeth to come through.
- Excess spacing. Gaps between the teeth.
- Open bites. The front teeth don’t meet when the back teeth are together, often linked to thumb sucking or tongue habits.
- Deep bites. The upper front teeth cover too much of the lower front teeth.
- Missing or extra teeth.
- Teeth that are blocked or coming through in the wrong position.
Signs Your Child May Need a Check Sooner
You don’t need to wait for a particular birthday if you notice:
- Baby teeth lost much earlier or later than usual
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Mouth breathing, or snoring
- Thumb or finger sucking continuing after the adult teeth start coming through
- Crowded, overlapping or noticeably misplaced teeth
- Front teeth that stick out
- Teeth that don’t meet properly, or that meet in an unusual way
- A jaw that shifts, clicks or seems uneven
- Biting the cheeks or roof of the mouth
- Speech difficulties that may be related to teeth position
What Happens at an Orthodontic Check?
An early orthodontic check is quick, gentle and usually very relaxed for children. It may include:
- A conversation about your child’s dental history, habits and any concerns you’ve noticed.
- An examination of your child’s teeth, bite, jaw growth and how their face and jaws relate to each other.
- X-rays, if needed, to see adult teeth that haven’t come through yet and check there’s enough space.
- Photos or scans to record how the teeth and bite look now.
- A discussion of next steps. For most children, this simply means monitoring development over time.
Most Children Don’t Need Treatment Yet
The most common outcome of an early check is a plan to keep an eye on things. Many problems can wait until more adult teeth have come through. Some resolve on their own as the jaws grow.
For a smaller number of children, early treatment may be recommended. This is sometimes called interceptive treatment. The goal is usually to guide jaw growth or correct a specific problem before it becomes more complex. It may involve:
- Space maintainers, to hold space when a baby tooth is lost early
- Expanders, to widen a narrow upper jaw and correct crossbites
- Habit appliances, to help break thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits
- Partial braces or removable appliances, to correct specific teeth
- Clear aligners designed for children, which may suit some cases
Early treatment doesn’t always replace treatment later on. Some children still need braces or aligners in their teens, though treatment may then be simpler or shorter.
How Regular Check-Ups Help
Regular dental check-ups are an ideal opportunity to monitor how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing. At each visit, we look at more than just cavities. We also check how the teeth are coming through and how the bite is forming. If we notice anything that needs a closer look, we’ll discuss the options with you. Where appropriate, we’ll refer your child to a specialist orthodontist.
As a dentist in New Gisborne caring for local families for over years, we find that early checks give parents peace of mind. Even when no treatment is needed, knowing what to watch for makes future decisions easier.