Orthodontic Treatment

Children should receive their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7 or 8, as some benefit from early intervention. At this age, your child typically has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which allows our dentists at Singleton Smiles to assess how the jaw is developing and whether there are any concerns that might benefit from early attention.

Understanding Early Orthodontics

It's important to note that not every child needs early orthodontic intervention. Many children can simply be monitored until they're older and all their permanent teeth have come through. However, children who are candidates for early treatment may experience concerns such as tooth crowding, obtrusive overbite, protruding underbite, jaw growth concerns or crossbites.

When early treatment is appropriate, it's conducted in phases. The first phase focuses on bite and function, addressing issues with jaw development and creating proper space for incoming permanent teeth. This phase takes advantage of your child's natural growth patterns to correct jaw alignment or create space in crowded arches, making future tooth alignment easier and more efficient. The second phase typically occurs around age 12 or 13 and concentrates on straightening and aesthetics once most or all permanent teeth have erupted.

During routine dental visits at our Singleton dental clinic, our dentists monitor your child's dental development and will let you know if an orthodontic evaluation would be beneficial. We're committed to serving families throughout the area and ensuring every child receives the right care at the right time for their individual needs.