Orthodontics

Early Orthodontic Assessment for Children

You don’t need to wait until all your child’s baby teeth have fallen out to start thinking about orthodontics. In many cases, an early orthodontic assessment simply offers reassurance or helps you understand what to keep an eye on as your child grows.

At Tower Dental, families seeking orthodontics in Balwyn, Balwyn North, and surrounding areas can book a simple, no-pressure consultation focused on understanding how a child’s teeth and jaws are developing.

What Is an Early Orthodontic Assessment?

This is a routine dental evaluation focused on how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing. Dentists often recommend it around ages 6–7, when early bite changes can start to show.

For families exploring orthodontics in Balwyn, Balwyn North and nearby areas, this appointment helps determine whether:

• Teeth and jaws are developing as expected
• Monitoring growth may be helpful
• Orthodontic treatment might be needed in the future

In many cases, the outcome is simply reassurance and a plan to review again as more adult teeth come through.

Orthodontic Concerns That May Be Identified

Every child is different, but some patterns can appear early.

These may include:

• Overbite – upper teeth overlap lower teeth more than expected
• Underbite – lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth
• Open bite – front teeth don’t meet when biting
• Deep bite – upper teeth cover most of the lower teeth
• Crossbite – upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth
• Crowded or crooked teeth
• Jaw alignment concerns

Identifying these early allows for better timing if treatment is ever needed.

Signs Your Child May Benefit from an Assessment

Parents sometimes notice changes in their child’s teeth or bite that raise questions.

Possible signs include:

• Difficulty biting or chewing food
• Mouth breathing
• Baby teeth falling out very early or very late
• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Jaws that click or shift
• Teeth that don’t line up properly when biting

These signs don’t always mean orthodontic treatment is required. A quick dental assessment simply helps clarify what’s going on.

When Orthodontic Treatment May Be Recommended

Following assessment, recommendations are based on current clinical findings and the child’s stage of growth and development.

Management may include:

• No immediate intervention with routine review
• Periodic monitoring to assess developmental changes
• Timing of future orthodontic referral or treatment
• Early interceptive orthodontics, where there is evidence of functional or skeletal concern

Early intervention is considered selectively and only when there is a clear clinical indication that timing may influence outcomes.

Possible Orthodontic Treatment Options

If orthodontic treatment becomes appropriate, several options may be discussed.

• Traditional braces
• Clear or ceramic braces
• Space maintainers
• Early interceptive orthodontic appliances

The most suitable option will depend on the child’s dental development and the orthodontic concern identified.

Book an Orthodontic Consultation

For families in Balwyn, Balwyn North, and nearby areas, orthodontic assessments are available at Tower Dental. You can contact the clinic to arrange a time and discuss your child’s dental development.

Learn More

For additional information on children’s oral health and orthodontic care, resources are available through the Australian Dental Association.

Areas we serve: Balwyn, Balwyn North, Canterbury, Camberwell, Deepdene, Hawthorn, Surrey Hills, Kew, Mont Albert, Glen Iris, & Box Hill.