As a parent, you want your child to grow up with a healthy, confident smile. But how do you know if your child’s teeth and jaws are developing as they should? And when is the right time to consider orthodontic treatment?
Many parents assume that orthodontic treatment should wait until all their child’s adult teeth have come through. However, in some cases, early orthodontic intervention, also known as Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, can help guide the development of your child’s teeth and jaws while they are still growing.
At Apex Orthodontics, Dr Tapiwa Gwengo, our specialist orthodontist, assesses children’s dental development to identify potential concerns and determine whether early treatment would be beneficial.
The most important thing to know is that not every child needs early orthodontic treatment. Many children are best managed by monitoring their growth and development until the time is right for treatment. When early intervention is indicated, it can improve dental function, reduce the risk of injury to prominent teeth, support a child’s confidence and potentially simplify treatment later in life.
In this guide, we explain the signs parents should look out for, when to seek an orthodontic assessment and how early orthodontic treatment can help your child.
What Is Early Orthodontic Intervention (Phase 1 Treatment)?
Phase 1 orthodontic treatment refers to orthodontic treatment carried out while a child still has a mixture of baby teeth and adult teeth. This stage is also known as interceptive orthodontic treatment.
It typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 10, although the appropriate timing depends on the child’s individual dental development and the problem being treated.
Unlike comprehensive orthodontic treatment, which often takes place once most or all adult teeth have erupted, Phase 1 treatment aims to address specific concerns during growth.
Depending on your child’s needs, early orthodontic treatment may help to:
- Guide the development of the jaws and dental arches.
- Create space for developing adult teeth.
- Correct certain bite problems before they become more difficult to manage.
- Reduce the risk of trauma to prominent upper front teeth.
- Address some developing crossbites and other functional problems.
- Improve the alignment of selected teeth.
- Reduce the complexity of future orthodontic treatment in appropriate cases.
Phase 1 treatment does not necessarily eliminate the need for braces or aligners later. Some children will still benefit from a second phase of treatment once their adult teeth have erupted. The aim is to address the problems that are best managed early, rather than to undertake unnecessary treatment before it is needed.
7 Signs Your Child May Benefit from Early Orthodontic Treatment
Every child develops differently, and not all orthodontic concerns are obvious. Here are seven signs that may indicate your child would benefit from an assessment by a specialist orthodontist.
1. Prominent or Protruding Front Teeth
If your child’s upper front teeth stick out noticeably, they may have an increased overjet, meaning the upper front teeth sit further forward than the lower front teeth.
Prominent front teeth can sometimes be associated with jaw position, tooth position or a combination of factors.
Why does this matter?
Children with significantly protruding front teeth may have a greater risk of damaging them during falls, sports or everyday accidents. They may also feel self-conscious about the appearance of their smile, particularly as they get older.
In suitable cases, early orthodontic treatment can reduce the prominence of these teeth and help improve their protection. It may also help children feel more comfortable and confident when smiling, speaking and participating in activities.
2. Crowded Teeth or Not Enough Space for Adult Teeth
Crowding occurs when there is insufficient space in the dental arches for the teeth to align properly.
You may notice that your child’s teeth overlap, twist or erupt in unusual positions. Sometimes, adult teeth appear behind or in front of the baby teeth rather than emerging in a neat row.
Crowding does not automatically mean your child needs early treatment. Some crowding is best assessed over time as the adult teeth emerge.
However, in certain cases, early intervention may help guide the eruption of adult teeth, manage available space or reduce the likelihood of more complicated problems developing.
A specialist orthodontist can assess whether early treatment is appropriate or whether monitoring is the better option.
3. An Underbite, Overbite or Other Bite Problem
The way the upper and lower teeth meet is just as important as how straight they look.
Some common bite problems include:
- Overbite: The upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth vertically more than expected.
- Underbite: The lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when biting together.
- Open bite: The front teeth do not meet when the back teeth are together.
- Deep bite: The upper front teeth cover an excessive amount of the lower front teeth.
- Crossbite: One or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth when the jaws are closed.
Some of these problems are related to tooth position, while others may involve the relationship between the upper and lower jaws.
Depending on the cause and severity, early treatment may help correct certain bite problems while your child is growing. For example, some underbites and developing jaw discrepancies benefit from assessment and treatment at an earlier age.
Leaving a significant bite problem unassessed may mean missing an opportunity to manage it during a favourable stage of growth.
4. A Narrow Upper Jaw or Posterior Crossbite
A narrow upper jaw can sometimes be associated with a posterior crossbite, where the upper back teeth bite inside the lower back teeth instead of outside them.
Parents may notice that their child’s bite looks uneven or that the lower jaw appears to shift to one side when biting together.
In selected cases, early orthodontic treatment using a palatal expander or another suitable appliance can help widen the upper dental arch and correct the crossbite.
Correcting a functional shift may help establish a more balanced bite. However, treatment depends on the individual diagnosis, and not every narrow-looking dental arch requires expansion.
An orthodontic assessment can help determine whether treatment is necessary, what type of appliance may be appropriate and when it should be considered.
5. Baby Teeth Lost Too Early or Adult Teeth Erupting Out of Position
Baby teeth play an important role in maintaining space for the adult teeth developing underneath them.
If a baby tooth is lost prematurely because of decay, trauma or another reason, nearby teeth may drift into the space. This can reduce the room available for the adult tooth to erupt.
Likewise, an adult tooth that erupts significantly out of position may indicate an underlying space problem or an unusual eruption pattern.
In some circumstances, early orthodontic intervention may involve space maintenance, space management or guiding the eruption of developing teeth.
Not every early loss of a baby tooth requires an orthodontic appliance, but it is worth discussing with your dentist or orthodontist, particularly if the adult teeth are not erupting as expected.
6. Difficulty Biting, Chewing or Bringing the Teeth Together
Orthodontics is about more than achieving straight teeth. A healthy bite should also function comfortably.
Consider seeking an assessment if your child has persistent difficulty biting into food, their teeth do not meet properly, or their jaw appears to shift when they close their mouth.
An open bite, crossbite or other developing bite problem may contribute to these difficulties.
A specialist orthodontist can determine whether the issue is dental, related to jaw development or potentially associated with another factor.
Not every chewing difficulty is caused by an orthodontic problem, so other causes may also need to be considered.
7. Teeth That Appear to Be Erupting Abnormally or Are Not Coming Through
Sometimes, an adult tooth does not erupt in the expected position or appears to be delayed compared with the corresponding tooth on the other side.
This can happen for several reasons, including lack of space, the position of the developing tooth or an obstruction.
In some cases, an impacted or displaced tooth may require further investigation and coordinated treatment.
Early assessment can help identify potential concerns and determine whether observation, imaging, space management or specialist intervention is appropriate.
If you notice unusual eruption patterns or significant differences between the two sides of your child’s mouth, it is worth having them checked.
What Is the Best Age for a Child to See an Orthodontist?
The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic assessment by around seven years of age.
At this stage, children usually have a mixture of baby teeth and adult teeth, allowing a specialist orthodontist to assess how the teeth and jaws are developing.
An assessment at age seven does not mean your child will need braces or immediate treatment.
In fact, many children do not need orthodontic treatment at this age. Their teeth and jaws may simply need to be monitored as they grow.
At Apex Orthodontics, we believe in recommending treatment when it is genuinely beneficial. For children who do not need early intervention, our Growth Guidance Recall Program allows us to monitor their dental development, generally at 6–12-month intervals, at no additional cost for eligible children.
This means parents can feel reassured that their child’s development is being followed without committing to treatment before it is necessary.
If treatment becomes appropriate, we can discuss the options and timing with you.
What Are the Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?
When early orthodontic treatment is indicated, it can offer several important benefits.
Supporting Your Child’s Confidence and Self-Esteem
Children can become aware of differences in their teeth and smile from a surprisingly young age.
Prominent teeth, a significant bite problem or visibly crowded teeth may make some children reluctant to smile or feel self-conscious around their peers.
For children who are affected by these concerns, early orthodontic treatment may improve their confidence and comfort with their smile.
Every child is different, and orthodontic treatment cannot guarantee a particular emotional or social outcome. However, helping a child feel more comfortable with their teeth can be a valuable benefit when treatment is appropriate.
Reducing the Risk of Dental Trauma
Prominent upper front teeth are more vulnerable to injury in some circumstances, including falls and sporting accidents.
Where clinically indicated, reducing the prominence of these teeth may lower the risk of traumatic dental injury.
This can be particularly relevant for active children who participate in contact sports or other activities where facial impacts are possible.
Orthodontic treatment does not eliminate the risk of injury, so appropriate mouthguard use remains important for children playing contact sports.
Improving Bite Function
Some developing orthodontic problems can affect the way the teeth meet or the jaw moves when biting.
Correcting a crossbite or certain other bite problems may help establish a more functional bite and address an abnormal jaw shift where one is present.
The potential benefits depend on the underlying problem and the treatment selected.
Guiding Dental and Jaw Development
Children’s jaws and teeth are still developing, which can provide an opportunity to address certain problems at a favourable time.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may help guide jaw development, create space for adult teeth or improve the relationship between the dental arches.
Not all jaw discrepancies can be corrected with growth modification, and the response to treatment varies between children.
Potentially Simplifying Future Orthodontic Treatment
In selected cases, Phase 1 treatment can reduce the severity of an existing problem and make later comprehensive orthodontic treatment more straightforward.
However, early treatment is not a guarantee that a child will avoid braces in their teenage years.
The purpose of Phase 1 treatment is to address problems that benefit from earlier management, not to start orthodontic treatment as early as possible.
At Apex Orthodontics, we consider the long-term picture before recommending treatment. Sometimes the best decision is to act early; in other cases, waiting is the most appropriate and cost-effective approach.
Can Children Have Braces or Invisalign During Phase 1 Treatment?
Yes. Depending on the problem being treated, early orthodontic intervention can involve different types of appliances.
At Apex Orthodontics, Dr Gwengo will recommend an approach based on your child’s individual needs, dental development and ability to manage the appliance.
Options may include:
Braces: Fixed orthodontic appliances can be used to move selected teeth and address certain alignment and bite problems. They remain in place throughout the prescribed treatment period, so children do not need to remember to put them in or take them out.
Clear aligners, including Invisalign: In suitable cases, clear aligners may be an option for children. They are removable and can be convenient for eating and cleaning teeth. However, they must be worn as directed, and their suitability depends on the problem being treated and the child’s ability to follow the treatment plan.
Other orthodontic appliances: Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve a palatal expander, a removable appliance or another appliance designed to address a particular developmental concern.
Not every problem can be treated equally well with every appliance. The goal is to select the approach that offers the most appropriate clinical outcome for your child, rather than choosing an appliance based on appearance alone.
Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Difficult for Children?
It is natural for parents to wonder how their child will cope with an orthodontic appliance, particularly if it is their first experience of orthodontic treatment.
The reassuring news is that most children tolerate orthodontic treatment well, especially when they understand what to expect and have support throughout the process.
There may be a short adjustment period when an appliance is first fitted. Your child might experience temporary pressure, tenderness or changes in speech or eating, depending on the appliance used.
These effects generally improve as the child adapts. Our team will explain how to manage the adjustment period and what to do if something feels uncomfortable or does not seem right.
At Apex Orthodontics, we understand that every child is different.
We take the time to explain procedures in age-appropriate language, answer questions and help children feel comfortable before proceeding. We also encourage parents to be involved so that everyone understands the treatment plan and knows what to expect.
For children who feel nervous about orthodontic appointments, we can take a little extra time, explain things step by step and adapt the appointment where possible to help them feel at ease.
Our approach is to guide children and their families through treatment with patience, clarity and reassurance.
How Much Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Cost?
We understand that the cost of orthodontic treatment is an important consideration for families.
At Apex Orthodontics, we aim to keep treatment as cost-effective as possible while recommending care that is appropriate for each child.
The cost of Phase 1 orthodontic treatment varies depending on the complexity of the problem, the appliance required and the expected duration of treatment.
Early treatment is not automatically less expensive than comprehensive treatment, and it may not eliminate the need for a second phase. For this reason, we believe it is important to explain the likely treatment pathway and associated costs before families make a decision.
We offer payment plans to help families manage the cost of orthodontic care. During your consultation, our team can explain the available options and help you understand the financial commitment involved.
We also believe that families should not feel pressured into starting treatment before it is necessary. If your child would benefit more from monitoring and waiting, we will explain that recommendation.
Our focus is on making appropriate specialist orthodontic care accessible while putting your child’s needs first.
What Happens at an Early Orthodontic Consultation at Apex Orthodontics?
If you are concerned about your child’s teeth or bite, an orthodontic consultation is a useful first step.
At Apex Orthodontics in Hope Island, your child will be assessed by Dr Tapiwa Gwengo, our specialist orthodontist.
During the consultation, we will:
- Assess your child’s teeth and bite. We will examine how the teeth meet, the alignment of the dental arches and any developing bite concerns.
- Evaluate dental development. We will consider which adult teeth have erupted, which are still developing and whether there are any signs of an eruption or spacing problem.
- Review any relevant records. If clinically indicated, photographs, digital scans or dental X-rays may be recommended to help assess your child’s development and plan treatment.
- Explain our findings. We will talk you through what we have observed, using clear explanations so you understand your child’s current situation.
- Discuss the options. If early intervention is recommended, we will explain why, outline the available approaches and discuss the expected benefits, limitations, duration and costs.
- Create a plan that suits your child. If treatment is not needed yet, we can recommend an appropriate monitoring schedule instead.
At Apex Orthodontics, initial consultations are complimentary, with no out-of-pocket cost for the X-rays and records Dr Gwengo determines are necessary for the initial assessment and personalised treatment plan.
Our aim is to give parents the information they need to make a confident, informed decision without feeling rushed or pressured.
Book an Early Orthodontic Assessment on the Gold Coast
If you have noticed prominent front teeth, crowding, an unusual bite or concerns about how your child’s adult teeth are developing, an early orthodontic assessment can help you understand whether anything needs to be done.
At Apex Orthodontics, Dr Tapiwa Gwengo provides specialist orthodontic care for children, teenagers and adults at our welcoming practice in Hope Island on the Gold Coast.