Healthy Smiles For Life
Many orthodontic problems can be detected and treated at an early age, reducing the need for extensive treatment later on. An early assessment is a great way to check if your child’s teeth are on track to a beautiful and healthy smile.
The world’s leading orthodontic associations recommend that all children have an orthodontic assessment by 7 years of age. This is because numerous orthodontic problems can be diagnosed at an early age:
- Crowding
- Habits
- Impacting teeth
- Trauma
- Tooth wear
- Constricted upper jaw
- Jaw alignment
If an orthodontic problem can be treated early, it may reduce the need for lengthy and complex treatment later on. Early diagnosis and treatment can result in improved long-term health and appearance and improved self-esteem.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Why Assess Early?
Many orthodontic problems begin to show well before all the adult teeth have come in. By assessing your child’s teeth and jaw development around the age of 9 years, we can identify any potential concerns early and, if needed, begin interceptive treatment while the jaws are still growing. This can often reduce the need for more extensive or invasive treatment later on.
An early orthodontic care doesn’t mean starting braces immediately — in many cases, we simply monitor your child’s dental development and facial growth, and guide you on the best timing for treatment. However, when early intervention is appropriate, it can often lead to better long-term outcomes and a shorter, less invasive treatment phase in adolescence.
A Thoughtful and Evidence-Based Approach
It’s important to note that for most children, early orthodontic treatment is not required.
We recommend Phase Itreatment (also called interceptive, or early treatment) only when there is a clear, evidence-based benefit to your child’s long-term oral health and development. Our focus is not on treating early for the sake of it – but on making well-informed, timely decisions that support the best possible outcomes.
At your child’s first assessment, our goal is to provide a clear, honest overview of their dental development. We’ll explain whether any orthodontic concerns are present, whether treatment is likely to be needed, and what the optimal timing for orthodontic treatment would be to achieve the most effective results.
We pride ourselves on being transparentand patient-centred, always recommending treatment only when it is genuinely in your child’s best interest.
What Are We Looking For?
During an early orthodontic assessment, we check a wide range of developmental markers, including:
- Crowding or spacing: Whether there’s enough room for the adult teeth to come through properly
- Tooth eruption patterns: Are the teeth erupting in the correct sequence and position?
- Oral habits: Such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, which can affect the position of teeth and jaw development
- Jaw growth and bite alignment: Including signs of underbite, overbite, or crossbite
- Constricted upper jaw: A narrow palate can cause bite issues, and breathing difficulties
- Impacted teeth: Early signs that adult teeth may not erupt properly
- Tooth trauma or wear: Which can be an early sign of tooth-grinding or bite imbalance
- Dental condition: Increasingly, we see hypomineralised molars in children. In severe cases, planned removal of these teeth can reduce long-term dental complications and support better orthodontic outcomes.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
If a problem is detected, early orthodontic treatment can often guide jaw growth, improve tooth alignment, and simplify future treatment. The potential benefits include:
- Preventing teeth from becoming impacted
- Correcting harmful oral habits
- Improving facial symmetry and jaw balance
- Boosting confidence and self-esteem at a formative age
- Reducing the risk of tooth wear and gum recession
- Reducing the need for tooth extractions
- Reducing the need for jaw surgery
- Enhancing speech development and function
What Happens at the First Visit?
Your child’s first orthodontic visit is a relaxed and informative appointment. We’ll:
- Gently examine your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw alignment
- Take photographs andx-rays
- Provide you with a clear explanation of any concerns
- Outline the next steps — whether that’s treatment, monitoring, or reassurance
Book an Orthodontic Assessment
If your child is around age 9 — or if your dentist or oral health therapist has recommended an evaluation — we welcome you to book an orthodontic assessment with our specialist team. Whether your child needs treatment now or in the future, we’re here to support their healthiest, happiest smile.
📞 Call us on 04 595 5992
📧 Or book online info@thorndonortho.co.nz