Early screening of a child’s teeth can show potential problems and give the opportunity to have orthodontic treatment before the problems become serious. Parents usually have many questions about orthodontic treatment for their children. The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends children between the ages of 8-10 years visit a registered specialist orthodontist for an assessment. If you see any of the below, you should see an assessment from a specialist orthodontist:

  • Early loss of baby teeth (before age five)
  • Mouth breathing and/or snoring
  • If your child’s teeth do not meet properly at all when biting
  • If your child’s front teeth are crowded (you generally won’t see this until the child is about seven or eight years old)
  • Protruding front teeth
  • Biting or chewing difficulties
  • A speech impediment
  • If your child’s jaw shifts when he or she opens or closes the mouth
  • If your child is older than five years and still sucks a thumb or finger
child orthodontist

Early orthodontic treatment happens while a child’s jaw bones are still soft. They harden in their late teens. As the bones are still easily moved, corrective procedures will work quicker and more effectively than it will for teens and adults. Appropriate early treatment is an effective interception measure that lays the foundation for a healthy and well-functioning mouth in adulthood.

Dr Gullotta is a specialist orthodontist, he has the training, experience and expert knowledge to identify the most appropriate treatment options and when the best time to start treatment. You can have confidence that your child is in the best hands.