How early is too early when it comes to getting braces? Braces are definitely an effective method of straightening teeth for patients of all ages. The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends having your children come in for an assessment between the ages of 8 and 10 at the very earliest to evaluate their smile and see if they could benefit from early intervention orthodontics.
Early intervention orthodontics helps identify any issues with your child’s teeth that can be corrected with braces. Between the ages of 8 and 10, children’s teeth and jaws are easier to manipulate. This makes correcting a range of dental problems like crooked/crowded teeth, protruding teeth or gaps easier using non-invasive orthodontic solutions.
While your children should definitely be visiting the dentist every 6 months for a regular checkup, we recommend coming in for a professional assessment if your child displays any of the below signs during the ages of 7 to 10:
Early/late/irregular loss of baby teeth Mouth breathing Difficulty chewing/biting Protruding teeth Crooked/crowded teeth Grinding/clenching of teeth Jaws & teeth that seem disproportionate to your child’s face Speech impediments Teeth that don’t meet properly when biting
By the end of their teen years, most children’s jawbones will harden and stop growing. Due to this reason, early intervention received during the age of 8-10 works far more effectively and faster, and reduces the need for orthodontics as an adult! Through early intervention and the right treatment plan, we can help:
Guide jaw growth Correct harmful oral habits Improve the appearance of teeth Guide permanent teeth into a straighter and healthier position Lower the risk of trauma to protruding front teethCorrects speech impedimentsImproves digestion by making it easier to chew and break down food into smaller piecesCorrects bite problems
Did you know genetics only play a partial role in how your jaws develop? Dental injuries and unhealthy oral habits like thumb sucking, improper swallowing and mouth breathing can affect your child’s facial growth. So, during your child’s dental assessment, we make a conscious effort to understand their complete lifestyle before developing a well-rounded treatment plan.
During the assessment, our dentist will examine your child’s first permanent molars (flat teeth found towards the back of the mouth) to check for any developing problems with their bite. They will also examine other teeth for potential signs of crowding, crossbites and open bites. An x-ray may be taken to better understand how your child’s teeth will develop in the long-term. Upon completion of the assessment, we will be able to devise the best course of treatment.
The cost of early intervention orthodontics vary on several factors, such as the severity of the case and type of treatment. At Purity Dental, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. That’s why we take a personalised approach to dentistry.
When you bring your child to our dental practice for an orthodontic consultation, we will conduct a comprehensive assessment of their mouth and develop a tailored treatment plan. After that, we will provide a detailed breakdown of the cost, ensuring transparency throughout the process.
We offer payment plans including CDBS (Child Dental Benefits Schedule) to make quality dental care more accessible. If you want to learn more or find out whether your child is eligible for CDBS, contact our team today.
Treatment in these early stages can take on many forms. Our dentist may recommend a fixed or removable appliance that will gently guide teeth into place. Sometimes, no appliance will be necessary, but proper oral habits will be taught for parents to follow up on. On rare occasions, we may recommend removing some baby teeth in order to help the permanent teeth erupt better.
Bringing your child in for checkups at an early age helps them become familiar with their dentist It eases any anxiety they may have when it comes to future visits. At Purity Dental, we have a team of family-friendly dental professionals who are great at what they do. Your child’s oral health couldn’t be in safer and gentler hands. Lay the foundation today for your child’s healthy and beautiful smile. Contact our team at Purity Dental for an appointment.
