Orthodontics for Children

At Specialist Orthodontists Sydney, our team of expert orthodontists endorses the Australian Association of Orthodontists' recommendation to initiate your child's first orthodontic evaluation no later than their seventh birthday. Immediate treatment may not always be required at this juncture; nevertheless, a comprehensive examination is crucial for identifying potential issues and preventing them from worsening over time.

Embarking on early treatment offers a plethora of advantages:

• It facilitates space for the emergence of crowded teeth.
• It promotes facial balance and harmony by directing jaw growth.
• It reduces the likelihood of damage to protruding front teeth.
• It retains space for yet-to-erupt teeth.
• It lessens the probability of needing tooth extraction.
• It curtails the necessity for future orthodontic treatment.

We strongly encourage you to schedule a consultation for your child if you sense a need for early orthodontic intervention. Subsequent recall appointments come at no additional cost as we diligently monitor your child's teeth, jaw, and bite development.

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Two Phase Treatment

First Phase

Our initial phase's objective is to guide your child's teeth and jaw development to accommodate all permanent teeth and enhance the alignment between the upper and lower jaws. It's not uncommon for children to display early indicators of dental and jaw issues as they mature. Early-stage appliances are employed during this phase to rectify and realign the teeth and jaws.

Monitoring

Upon completion of the first phase, the permanent (adult) teeth are yet to settle into their definitive positions. Throughout the monitoring phase, we persistently track the emergence of permanent teeth during regular, complimentary recall visits. The selective extraction of certain primary (baby) teeth might be conducive to encouraging eruption during this phase. Hence, regular recall appointments are highly recommended for optimal observation.

Second Phase

The final phase aims to ensure each tooth settles into its exact position in the mouth, achieving harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and neighbouring teeth. Attaining this balance enables the teeth to function in unison effectively. This phase kicks off once all the permanent teeth have surfaced and typically necessitates braces on all the teeth for an average duration of 24 months. Post this phase, retainers are to be worn to preserve your child's radiant smile.