It’s never too early to take your child to see an Orthodontist. Early consultation allows for the timely diagnosis of oral issues and can help prevent more complex problems as your child grows. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic consultation by the age of 7.

Orthodontic Dentistry - includes such treatments such as braces and clear aligners, and Invisalign.

Why Is Early Orthodontic Consultation Important?

At the age of 7, your child will typically have a mix of baby and adult teeth. This transitional phase makes it easier for an Orthodontist to assess developing issues, such as:

• Crowding of teeth
• Jaw misalignment
• Bite irregularities (overbite, underbite, or crossbite)

Even if your child’s teeth appear straight, orthodontic problems can still exist or emerge over time. Teeth may shift as your child’s face and jaws grow, and issues left untreated can become more complicated and costly in the future.

When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

The ideal age for a first visit is between 7 and 10 years old. At this stage:

• Your child’s growth patterns can be monitored.
• Potential problems can be identified and treated early.
• Treatment plans can be tailored to your child’s specific needs, allowing you to prepare for future costs and procedures.

Addressing orthodontic issues early can also lead to shorter and more effective treatment compared to waiting until all adult teeth have erupted.

Top 5 Benefits of Early Orthodontic Assessment

An early orthodontic consultation can achieve results that may be more difficult or time-consuming later in life. The top benefits include:

1. Guiding Adult Teeth: Early treatment can help teeth erupt in better positions.
2. Correcting Bite Irregularities: Issues like overbites or crossbites are easier to address during growth phases.
3. Simpler and Shorter Treatment: Interceptive treatment reduces the need for more extensive procedures later on.
4. Identifying Problems Early: Catching issues early prevents them from becoming severe or harder to treat.
5. Avoiding Surgery: Timely intervention may reduce or eliminate the need for surgical correction in the future.

Phases of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic care is often divided into three key phases, depending on age and dental development:

1. Early Orthodontic Treatment

This phase occurs when a child has both baby and permanent teeth. It focuses on intercepting problems early to simplify or avoid major treatments later.

• When: Ages 7-10
• Why: To address bite issues, correct jaw growth, and create space for emerging adult teeth.

2. Adolescent Treatment

This phase occurs once most baby teeth are gone, and the teenager’s permanent teeth are in place. Adolescence is a great time for treatment because the body is still growing and responsive to orthodontic adjustments.

• When: Ages 11-16
• Why: To align teeth, correct bite issues, and improve facial harmony while growth is ongoing.

3. Adult Orthodontic Treatment

More adults are seeking orthodontic care for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Proper alignment can help maintain oral health, improve chewing function, and prevent wear on teeth.

• When: Anytime
• Why: To improve smile appearance, oral health, and overall bite stability.

Final Thoughts

If you’re unsure whether your child needs orthodontic care, scheduling an early consultation can provide clarity and peace of mind. Early treatment may save time, money, and potential complications down the line.

For more information on how orthodontic treatment can benefit your child’s oral health, we recommend reaching out to a qualified Orthodontic Specialists who can provide personalized advice and treatment options.

Although all our branches do provide orthodontic services, we also provide specialist orthodontic consultations at the following Dental and Ortho branches:

Diep River
Greenpoint
Hout Bay
Belvedere - Claremont