When to Start Orthodontic Checks for Children
Ages 7-10 are typically the sweet spot for early orthodontic checks for children.
This age group is typically recommended because by this stage, children typically have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This “in-between” phase is ideal because it allows orthodontists to clearly see how the new adult teeth are emerging and how the jaws are growing. It’s a critical time to spot any developing concerns such as crowding, spacing, bite issues, or jaw alignment problems, even if they aren’t obvious to the untrained eye.
Importantly, having an orthodontic check at this age doesn’t mean your child will start treatment straight away. In many cases, the best approach is simply to monitor their growth and development over time. This gives your orthodontist the opportunity to guide tooth and jaw changes as they happen, and plan for any necessary treatment at the optimal stage, often making future orthodontic work shorter, simpler, and more effective.
Early Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Care
Even before your child reaches the recommended first check-up age of seven, there are clues that may suggest their teeth or jaws need a closer look. Identifying these early can help guide their growth and potentially prevent more complex treatment later on.
Bite & Jaw Alignment
How the upper and lower teeth fit together (the “bite”) is a key part of oral health. If the bite is off, it can affect chewing, speaking, jaw comfort and even facial balance. Some examples include:
- Teeth that do not meet evenly when biting, which can cause uneven wear or make chewing difficult
- Upper front teeth that sit too far forward over the bottom teeth, sometimes affecting speech and lip closure (overbite)
- Lower front teeth that sit ahead of the upper teeth, which can make chewing challenging and affect jaw function (underbite)
- Upper teeth that fit inside the lower teeth instead of outside, leading to jaw shifting and uneven tooth wear (crossbite)
- A gap between the top and bottom teeth when the mouth is closed, making it hard to bite into certain foods (open bite)
Spacing and crowding
The amount of space available in the mouth determines how well adult teeth can grow into place. Signs to look for include:
- Baby or adult teeth that are crowded closely together, leaving little room for new teeth to emerge properly (crowding)
- Large gaps between teeth that may indicate missing teeth or jaw growth issues
- Adult teeth that grow in at unusual angles, sometimes overlapping nearby teeth or twisting in position
Early or late tooth loss
When baby teeth fall out too early or too late, it can affect the position of the permanent teeth. This may look like:
- Baby teeth lost earlier than expected, allowing neighbouring teeth to move into the gap and block adult teeth from erupting
- Baby teeth that stay in place much longer than average, preventing permanent teeth from erupting in the right position
Jaw and facial development
Changes in jaw position or facial growth may point to underlying orthodontic concerns. These can include:
- A jaw that shifts to one side or makes clicking or popping noises when opening and closing
- A noticeable difference in jaw size or facial symmetry, which can affect both appearance and function
Habits and functional signs
Everyday habits and functional issues can also influence the way a child’s teeth and jaws develop. Watch for:
- Mouth breathing, which may be linked to airway concerns or jaw positioning
- Thumb sucking or dummy use beyond the age of four to five, which can place pressure on teeth and jaws
- Difficulty chewing or biting into food due to tooth position or bite problems
- Speech difficulties that may be connected to how the teeth and jaws are aligned
Why Early Orthodontic Evaluation is Important for Children
An orthodontic check-up during the early years with an experienced orthodontist can make a big difference in how a child’s smile develops. Even if treatment isn’t needed right away, seeing an orthodontist early helps set the foundation for healthy teeth and jaws as they grow.
To Guide Jaw Growth and Tooth Position
An early orthodontic assessment allows the orthodontist to monitor and guide jaw development so permanent teeth have the best chance to grow into their correct positions. Creating enough space early on can prevent crowding and reduce the need for complex interventions later.
Reduces the Need for Invasive Treatments
By identifying and addressing issues before they become severe, early evaluation can help avoid the need for treatments such as tooth extractions or jaw surgery in the future.
Helps Correct Harmful Oral Habits
Habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting or prolonged dummy use can impact tooth alignment and jaw growth. Detecting and addressing these habits early can prevent long-term effects on a child’s bite and smile.
Improves Comfort and Confidence
A healthy bite supports clear speech, effective chewing and a natural smile. Ensuring proper tooth and jaw development from an early age can boost a child’s confidence and comfort in everyday activities.
Setting Your Child Up for a Healthy Smile
Early orthodontic evaluation may be one of the best investments you can make in your child’s long-term oral health. By assessing jaw growth, bite alignment and tooth position at the right stage, we can guide development, prevent future problems, and ensure your child’s smile is healthy, functional and confident.
At Gullotta Orthodontics, we specialise in paediatric orthodontic care. Led by Dr Nino Gullotta, our team offers gentle, professional assessments and a full range of early intervention options, from jaw expanders and space maintainers to braces and clear aligners. We also provide complimentary kids’ check-ups to monitor growth and treat only when the timing is right.
We have been creating beautiful smiles on the Gold Coast since 1987 and are proud to be rated among the best orthodontists in the region. We’re here to help with all orthodontic needs, and we look forward to helping your child enjoy their best smile for years to come.
Book your child’s complimentary orthodontic check-up today.