It is advisable that your child sees an orthodontist for the first time at around the age of seven years old.  

According to the Australian Society of Orthodontists, it is advisable that your child undergoes their first orthodontic assessment at around the age of seven. Early assessment and treatment can go a long way in identifying and resolving issues before they become more complicated in the future. So, if it’s time your child saw an orthodontist, you may be wondering where to begin in finding a professional with whom you and your little one are comfortable. Orthodontists are specialists who are qualified to treat a wide variety of problems, including crooked teeth, jaw abnormalities and bite-related issues. Not all orthodontists are created equal, so it’s important to do your research before making a decision. There are many factors to consider when choosing an orthodontist, such as location, experience, and specialisations. Keep reading for tips on how to choose the perfect orthodontist for your child…

1. Ask about their expertise

When choosing an orthodontist for your child, it is important that you choose a specialist who is fully qualified and experienced in the field. Don’t be afraid to ask for more information about your orthodontist’s training and credentials, as well as which professional memberships they hold. A reputable orthodontist should, for example, have professional memberships with the Australian Society of Orthodontics, as well as the Australian Dental Association. They should also be certified with the Australian Orthodontic Board.

2. Choose someone who understands children’s needs

Although all qualified orthodontists will have completed their specialist training and will be able to address a broad range of issues related to the teeth, jaws and mouth, it is important that you choose a practitioner who has some experience with children. Ideally, you should try and find an orthodontist who specifically offers early orthodontic assessments and. This will ensure that your child will receive the care that they need, and will help them to feel comfortable throughout their experience.  

3. Opt for ongoing support  

When your child has their first orthodontic assessment, their orthodontist will let you know if they have identified any potential problems and whether or not they require some intervention. It is important that you choose an orthodontist who is able to walk you through your child’s treatment plan and address any questions or concerns that you might have. If your child needs orthodontic care, you can expect the process to take some time, make sure you choose an orthodontist with whom you feel comfortable and who you trust to guide and support your child throughout the course of their treatment.

How can we help?

At Straight Orthodontics, we offer early orthodontic treatment for children, which can help to reduce the severity of problems and encourage healthy smiles from a young age. We encourage parents to bring their little ones in for their first orthodontic appointment at around the age of seven years old. At this appointment, we will be able to perform an early assessment to check for any potential issues, including current and future orthodontic problems. As part of the assessment, we will check for bite, alignment and jaw complications.

We understand that each child’s needs are unique, so if treatment is required, your child’s plan will be completely customised to suit them. Some of the early orthodontic treatments that we offer for children include palate expansion devices; tooth extraction; correction of bad habits; and space maintainers.

If you would like to find out more about our early treatments for children, please have a look here.

To book an appointment, please contact us here or give us a call on 03 9585 8000. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our comfortable practice and helping to keep your little one smiling for life.