Many parents assume that orthodontic treatment only begins once all the adult teeth have come through.
In practice, some concerns are better assessed and addressed earlier, while the jaw is still growing and certain corrections are simpler to make.
South East Orthodontics, with specialist clinics in Berwick and Glen Iris, Melbourne, provides early orthodontic assessment and treatment for children alongside adult orthodontics, braces, lingual braces, Invisalign, retainers, and surgical orthodontics.
If your child’s teeth or jaw development has been something you have been watching, this article explains what early assessment involves and when it may be worth acting before all adult teeth have erupted.
What Early Orthodontic Assessment Involves
An early orthodontic assessment looks at how a child’s teeth are erupting and how the upper and lower jaws are growing relative to each other. It is not the same as starting treatment. For many children, the assessment confirms that development is progressing normally and that monitoring is all that is needed at this stage.
For others, it identifies a concern that is worth addressing before it becomes harder to correct. At South East Orthodontics in Berwick and Glen Iris, Melbourne, assessments are carried out by specialist orthodontists with postgraduate training specifically focused on tooth movement and jaw development.
- Crossbites, where upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, can be easier to correct while the jaw is still growing
- Significant crowding detected early allows the team to plan space management before adult teeth erupt in poor positions
- Habits such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing that persist can affect jaw development and may warrant assessment
- Some skeletal jaw discrepancies respond better to early guidance than to treatment after growth has completed
- An early assessment does not mean treatment starts immediately — it gives the team a clear baseline to work from
When to Consider an Early Assessment at South East Orthodontics
The South East Orthodontics team in Berwick and Glen Iris generally recommends a first orthodontic assessment around the age of seven, when enough adult teeth are present to allow a meaningful evaluation of how the bite is forming.
This is a guide rather than a strict rule. Parents who notice specific concerns at an earlier age, such as a child’s teeth not meeting correctly or pronounced crowding in the front teeth, are welcome to bring their child in before that age for an opinion from the specialist team.
At South East Orthodontics, the approach to early assessment is transparent. The specialist orthodontist examines the teeth and jaws, takes any necessary records such as x-rays or photographs, and provides the family with a clear explanation of what was found and what, if anything, is recommended.
For families where treatment is not yet indicated, a monitoring recall is scheduled at the appropriate time. Parents are encouraged to ask questions, and treatment is not recommended unless there is a clear clinical reason for it.
Early Treatment Options and What They Involve
South East Orthodontics has two Melbourne locations: Berwick Central in the south-east and Glen Iris on the inner eastern side. Both practices see children for early assessment and treatment alongside the full range of services for teenagers and adults. If one location works better for school pick-up or drop-off routines, the team can discuss appointment scheduling to fit around your family’s commitments during the treatment period.
Early orthodontic treatment, when recommended, typically involves a relatively simple appliance designed to guide jaw growth, create space for erupting teeth, or correct a crossbite while the jaw is still responsive to treatment.
It is generally shorter in duration than comprehensive orthodontic treatment later in adolescence. Families receive a clear explanation of what the appliance does, how to care for it, and what to expect at follow-up appointments throughout the treatment period.
If you are considering an early orthodontic assessment for your child, the next step is a consultation to get a clear picture of how development is progressing.
South East Orthodontics in Berwick and Glen Iris, Melbourne, can walk you through what is involved and whether early treatment may be relevant for your child. Contact the practice on 03 9330 0702 to arrange an appointment.