When to Refer to an Orthodontist?

"By age 7, we can see how the adult teeth are aligning and whether any early intervention could help guide proper development," says Dr Steve Moate.

Why Age 7 Matters?

Around this age, enough adult teeth have come in to help orthodontists assess:

• The way the jaws are growing
• How the bite is developing
• Whether there’s enough space for incoming teeth

Early evaluations don’t always mean treatment is needed right away. Sometimes, the best approach is simply to monitor growth over time. Other times, a small early intervention can prevent more complex problems later.

Common Reasons to Refer a Child

There are several signs or situations where a child should be referred to an orthodontist for an evaluation:

1. Early Indicators
Crowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth, as well as noticeable bite problems (like an overbite, underbite, or crossbite).

2. Habits
Persistent thumb sucking, finger sucking, or prolonged dummy (pacifier) use can impact how the jaws and teeth grow.

3. Breathing Issues
Mouth breathing or airway concerns may affect dental development and overall health.

4. Speech Concerns
Speech difficulties that seem related to the way the teeth or jaws are positioned.

5. Preventive Intervention
Some issues, if caught early, can be corrected with simpler treatments before they become more serious or harder to address later.

"A lot of parents are surprised to learn how much easier some orthodontic problems are to correct early," Dr Moate explains. "That’s why timely assessment is so important."

What Happens at the First Orthodontic Visit?

During the first visit, the orthodontist will:

• Examine your child’s teeth, jaws, and bite
• Take photos or X-rays if needed
• Discuss any concerns you or your child have
• Create a plan to monitor or treat, depending on what’s found

This initial consultation is relaxed and informative, helping families feel confident about next steps.

Early Evaluation, Not Always Early Treatment

Remember, seeing an orthodontist early doesn’t mean treatment starts right away. In many cases, we simply keep an eye on growth and recommend the best time to begin. Every child is different, so an individual assessment is essential.

Book a Consultation

If you’d like to learn more about your child’s orthodontic development or have specific concerns, we’re here to help.

Book an orthodontic consultation with our friendly orthodontist, Dr Steve Moate, and the Beachside Orthodontics team today. We look forward to helping your child achieve a confident, healthy smile!