A healthy smile, guided from the very beginning
Early Intervention Orthodontics
A healthy smile, guided from the very beginning
Early Intervention Orthodontics
Big smiles can start small. At Alma Dental Surgery, we recognise that orthodontic care doesn’t always have to wait until the teenage years. In fact, for some children, starting treatment early—sometimes as young as age six—can make a significant difference in their oral health, jaw development, and even their overall wellbeing.
Our aim with early intervention orthodontics is simple: to help children grow healthy, confident smiles while making any future treatment easier, shorter, and less invasive.
Why start early?
Early intervention orthodontics focuses on guiding the growth and development of the teeth and jaws before all the adult teeth are in place. This can:
- Reduce dental crowding in developing teeth
- Prevent the removal of adult teeth in the future
- Shorten orthodontic treatment time during teenage years
- Minimise trauma to protruding front teeth
- Correct speech and swallowing problems early
- Boost confidence by improving smile appearance sooner
- Support better breathing by opening airways and improving airflow patterns
What does early intervention treatment involve?
Treatment is tailored to each child’s needs and may include one or more of the following:
- Oral habit correction (thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, prolonged dummy use)
- Palatal expansion to widen a narrow upper jaw and improve airflow
- Growth guidance appliances to encourage jaws to develop in harmony
- Simple oral exercises to improve chewing, swallowing, and tongue posture
- Lifestyle and breathing assessments to support long-term health
Most early intervention methods are non-invasive, gentle, and reversible, making them safe for growing children.
When to bring your child for an assessment
We recommend that your child’s first dental visit happens around their first birthday, and regular check-ups continue as they grow.
By age six or seven, when the first adult molars appear, we can accurately assess:
- The relationship between upper and lower jaws
- How their bite is developing
- Any signs of crowding, spacing, or misalignment
- Their growth patterns and breathing habits
At this stage, early orthodontic treatment—if needed—can be most effective.
How we assess your child’s bite
During your child’s visit, we look beyond just their teeth. We’ll also discuss:
- Oral habits such as thumb-sucking or pacifier use
- Breathing patterns, including snoring or mouth-breathing
- Concentration at school, which can sometimes be linked to sleep or breathing issues
- Speech clarity and swallowing patterns
- Any concerns raised by you or your GP about their oral development
Are braces used for young children?
Not usually. Braces are generally reserved for older children and teens once all permanent teeth are present. Early intervention for younger children is more about guidance than correction with brackets and wires.
Instead, we may use:
- Removable orthodontic appliances for jaw development
- Palatal expanders for creating more space
- Myofunctional therapy to train correct oral posture and habits
Will early treatment prevent braces later?
Sometimes yes—but not always. Early intervention may:
- Eliminate the need for braces entirely, or
- Make later treatment shorter and simpler
In cases where the bite problem is severe, waiting until the teenage years may be the best option. If specialist care is required, we’ll discuss this with you and arrange a referral.
Book your child’s orthodontic check today
If your child is new to Alma Dental Surgery, simply book a new patient check-up and let us know you’d like your child’s bite and jaw development assessed during the visit.
For children who are already our patients, rest assured, we check jaw growth and bite at every appointment. If you’d like a closer review, you’re always welcome to schedule a dedicated orthodontic assessment.
Give your child the best chance at a healthy, confident smile for life. Call Alma Dental Surgery today to book their orthodontic assessment.
