Orthodontics for children: at what age should you take them to the orthodontist?

In short: the first orthodontic check-up is best done around the age of 6-7, even if the child still has baby teeth. It does not mean fitting a brace: it is to monitor how the jaws and bite are growing and to detect early on what is easier to correct while the child grows. In some cases we act early (interceptive orthodontics) and in others we wait. The specialist decides.

Why so soon, if they still have baby teeth?

Because at that age the orthodontist does not just look at the teeth, they look at how the bones are growing. Around age 6-7 the first permanent molars begin to come through and it becomes possible to see whether the bite fits together, whether there is room for the teeth that are on the way, or whether one bone is ahead of the other.

Detecting that early is gold, because while the child is growing that growth can be guided. In an adult it can no longer be: the bone is fully formed and some problems can only be resolved with longer treatments or surgery. That is why an early check-up can save a great deal later on.

What is interceptive orthodontics?

It is the orthodontics carried out during active growth (roughly between the ages of 7 and 10) to correct or “intercept” problems before they get worse. It is useful, for example, for:

• Crossbites (when the upper teeth bite inside the lower ones).
• Lack of space for the teeth that have to come through.
• Habits that cause deformity, such as thumb-sucking (we look at this in dummies and thumb-sucking).

It is not always needed: very often the check-up ends with “everything is fine, come back in a year”. And that reassurance is worth something too.

And “proper” orthodontics, with a brace?

Full orthodontics, to align all the teeth, is usually carried out later, once the permanent teeth have come through (around age 11-13). It can be done with braces or, in teenagers, with invisible orthodontics, which many cope with better for cosmetic reasons. If you are interested in the types, we look at this in metal or cosmetic braces.

The takeaway for parents

There is no need to wait until the child has all their teeth for the first visit. A check-up around age 6-7 commits you to nothing and can avoid long treatments in the future. And along the way, we look after their general dental health, like their first visit to the dentist.

At the clinic we examine your child without rushing and we tell you honestly whether something needs to be done or just monitored. The first visit is free. Book an appointment whenever suits you.