Ideally children as young as seven should be assessed by an Orthodontist. The reason is by this age it is possible to determine if there are likely to be future problems and there are some simple easy preventive measures that can prevent long and difficult treatment later.
Two patients of the same age can have very different diagnoses and stages of tooth and jaw development.
The following factors can help determine the best age for treatment:
- Overcrowded teeth
- Malocclusion (Bad bite) – when the sizes of the top and bottom jaw are different
- Underbites
- Overbites
- Overjets (Buck teeth)
- Crossbites (narrow jaw)
Having an orthodontic assessment at an early age does not mean braces will be put on straight away. Assessment from roughly the age of seven is a good place to start; this will give you an idea of things you may need to look at in a few years, yet not needing to rush into treatment straight away. There may be other orthodontic treatments to consider before braces that can prevent long and costly treatment later. Many of Norwest Orthodontics younger patients have benefited from an early assessment and have avoided long and difficult treatments later.
To put your mind at rest, contact Norwest Orthodontics for an initial consultation on 9672 6113
