Does My Child Need Orthodontics? Signs to Look For by Age

Most parents notice their child’s teeth and wonder at some point whether they need orthodontic treatment. The honest answer is that not every child does, and the right timing matters more than most people realise.

This guide covers what to look for at different ages, what early treatment actually involves, and when an orthodontic assessment is genuinely useful.

When to first see an orthodontist

The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic assessment by age 7 or 8. This is earlier than most parents expect.

At this age, children typically have a mix of baby and permanent teeth — enough for an orthodontist to evaluate jaw development, bite relationships, and whether the permanent teeth are erupting in the right positions. The purpose of an early assessment is not to start treatment immediately. In most cases, the outcome is “let’s monitor this over the next year or two.” The value is in identifying the cases that do benefit from early action while there is still time to act effectively.

Signs worth having assessed

Some things are genuinely worth having looked at:

Crossbite. If the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth on one side — when your child bites down, the upper jaw appears narrower — this is a crossbite. Crossbites can lead to the jaw shifting to one side and, over time, to asymmetric jaw development. They are generally easier to address during growth than afterward.

Severe crowding. If it is clear that there is not enough space for the permanent teeth erupting, early intervention can sometimes create space and improve the outcome of later treatment.

Thumb sucking or dummy use continuing past age 5–6. Prolonged habits can affect jaw development and tooth position. The effects vary depending on the habit, its frequency, and when it stops.

Protruding upper front teeth. Significant protrusion can increase the risk of injury to the front teeth and sometimes indicates a jaw relationship problem worth monitoring.

Underbite. An underbite — where the lower jaw sits in front of the upper — is often easier to address during growth. Waiting until growth is complete can limit the treatment options.

Your child complains of jaw pain, clicking, or headaches. These are less common but worth mentioning at an assessment.

Signs that are usually fine to watch and wait

Not everything that looks concerning needs immediate action:

Crooked permanent front teeth when they first erupt. It is normal for the upper front teeth to erupt at an angle. Many correct substantially as the adjacent teeth come in. An assessment can tell you whether the degree of crowding warrants intervention or observation.

A gap between the upper front teeth. Central gaps in the upper front teeth often close naturally as the adjacent permanent teeth erupt. The exception is where the gap is very large or a thick frenum (the tissue between the lip and gum) appears to be holding it open.

Baby teeth that are slightly out of position. Baby tooth position does not reliably predict permanent tooth position.

What early orthodontic treatment actually involves

Early treatment — also called interceptive orthodontics — uses appliances to guide jaw development and correct bite problems while the jaw is still growing. Common appliances include:

• Rapid maxillary expanders (RME): A fixed or banded appliance that widens the upper jaw over several months. Used for narrow upper jaws and crossbites.
• Functional appliances: Removable or fixed devices that influence how the upper and lower jaws grow relative to each other. Used for significant overbites or underbites.
• Removable plates: Used for simpler bite corrections or habit management.
• Partial braces: Brackets placed on selected teeth to address specific problems before full treatment begins.

Early treatment is not recommended for every child, and it does not necessarily mean your child will avoid full braces later. In some cases, early treatment significantly reduces the complexity of later work. In others, it creates more ideal conditions for braces but does not eliminate the need for them.

What to expect at an orthodontic assessment for your child

The initial assessment at Claremont Orthodontics is a free consultation. Dr Denize will examine your child’s teeth and bite, review any x-rays, and give you an honest assessment of what is happening and what, if anything, to do about it.

In many cases, the recommendation is simply to return in 12 months and monitor development. If treatment is recommended, the fee and payment plan are confirmed in writing at the consultation — there is no pressure to start immediately.

The earlier a problem is identified, the more options are available. For conditions that benefit from growth guidance, there is a window during jaw development that closes once growth is complete. An assessment at age 7 or 8 ensures that window is not missed.

The cost of early orthodontic treatment

At Claremont Orthodontics:

• Rapid maxillary expanders: $2,100 pay-in-full ($2,450 on a payment plan)
• Removable appliances: $1,350 pay-in-full ($1,550 on a payment plan)
• Functional appliances: $3,450 pay-in-full ($3,900 on a payment plan)

These fees are confirmed at the consultation. Many private health extras policies include benefits for orthodontic appliances under item codes 821, 823, or 843 — we can provide itemised quotes for your fund.

If you are unsure where your child sits, our cost estimator can give you a starting point before booking.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risk. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.