Orthodontic treatment is most effective when carried out on children and it is highly recommended that a child’s first visit to the orthodontist should occur around 7 years of age. At this age, there is generally a mix of baby and adult teeth which makes it easier for the orthodontist to detect abnormal development of the jaws, habits that may be harder to correct in older children (like a lisp, or abnormal swallowing pattern). Careful attention is paid to habits that may affect jaw development, such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing.
This is also a perfect time to check if all permanent teeth are present, and developing normally. Usually this is assessed with the help of a screening x-ray called an OPG.
If you are unsure whether or not your child may need to see an orthodontist, here are a few indicators to look for:
For most children, no treatment is required this early, and we review the child’s dental and facial development with complimentary 6-12 monthly recall appointments.
Most orthodontic problems are best corrected with treatments that start just before or just after the onset of puberty, and in most children this coincides with the loss of the last baby teeth.
While braces are still the most common treatment for teens, we have other options available to straighten your teeth without a mouth full of metal. We offer Invisalign Teen, Porcelain (clear) braces and Lingual braces if you want to keep you treatment invisible.
The earlier we see you the better, as orthodontic issues get harder to treat the older you are, so don’t waste any more time, take the first step towards a lifelong perfect smile by making an appointment today!
Yes! We can now fit braces to the interior surfaces of your teeth (lingual braces) which are completely invisible. Another option is Invisalign Teen which are clear removable braces that are barely visible.
Each case varies, but the average time is between one and two years. You may think this sounds like a long time but it really isn’t when you compare it to the rest of your life! What would you prefer, a year or two in braces, or a lifetime with crooked teeth?
Invisalign Teen works as well as braces in treatments that do not require removal of teeth, but there are cases which are best treated with braces. We will be able to let you know at your first visit which treatment options are available to deliver the best result for your smile.
Yes, we can shorten treatment time by using advanced technology called Suresmile. This technologically advanced treatment has been shown to shorten treatment time by 3-6 months in most cases.
Some patients will experience a little discomfort a day or two after their braces are fitted and after each adjustment, but this depend on the type of braces you have fitted. View our Common Treatments page for more information about the different types of braces.
Your first visit is all about us getting to know you and assessing your orthodontic problems. We’ll just have a friendly chat, look at your teeth and discuss the various treatment options we offer.
Find out more about what happens during your first visit.
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