Early Orthodontics Croydon | For Ages 7 to 11

What Is Interceptive Orthodontics

Interceptive (or early) orthodontics refers to orthodontic assessment and treatment carried out during childhood, typically between the ages of 7 and 11, while a child still has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. The goal is to identify and address developing orthodontic problems at a stage when the jaws are still growing and more responsive to treatment.

Not every child needs early orthodontic intervention. Many orthodontic issues are best treated later, once all permanent teeth have erupted. However, certain problems, particularly those involving jaw growth, crossbites, and severe crowding, can be addressed more effectively during childhood, potentially simplifying or reducing the need for treatment during the teenage years.

Book an orthodontic assessment for your child: call (03) 9725 8040 or book online. We are open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6:00pm and Saturday 8:30am to 5:00pm.

Why Early Assessment Matters

The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic assessment by age 8. This does not necessarily mean treatment will begin at that age. In many cases the outcome of an early assessment is simply a recommendation to monitor development and reassess in 6 to 12 months.

However, early assessment allows your dentist to identify problems that are better treated during active growth, including:

Posterior crossbites: where the upper jaw is narrower than the lower jaw, causing the back teeth to bite inside the lower teeth. Left untreated, this can lead to asymmetric jaw growth
Anterior crossbites: where one or more upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth. Early correction can prevent abnormal wear and potential damage to the lower teeth
Severe crowding: when there is clearly insufficient space for the permanent teeth to erupt. Early intervention may create space and reduce the likelihood of impacted teeth or the need for extractions later
Jaw growth discrepancies: significant differences in upper and lower jaw size that, if addressed during growth, may respond to appliance therapy rather than requiring surgical correction in adulthood
Harmful habits: prolonged thumb sucking or tongue thrust that is affecting jaw development or tooth position
Impacted or ectopic teeth: teeth that are developing in abnormal positions and may need space created or guidance to erupt correctly

Common Early Orthodontic Treatments

Palatal Expanders

A palatal expander is a fixed appliance cemented to the upper back teeth that gradually widens the upper jaw. A parent or the child turns a small key in the appliance each day (or as directed) to apply gentle pressure across the midline suture of the palate.

In children and young adolescents, this suture has not yet fully fused, which means the jaw can be widened non-surgically. In adults, this suture is closed, and expansion typically requires a surgically assisted approach.

Palatal expansion is commonly used to:

Correct posterior crossbites
Create space for crowded permanent teeth to erupt
Improve the width match between the upper and lower jaws
Widen the nasal passages, which may improve nasal breathing in some children

Active expansion typically takes 2 to 4 months, after which the appliance remains in place for several additional months to allow the new bone to stabilise. The total time with the expander is usually around 6 months.

Space Maintainers

When a baby tooth is lost prematurely (due to decay or trauma), the neighbouring teeth can drift into the gap, blocking the permanent tooth from erupting into its correct position. A space maintainer is a small appliance that holds the space open until the permanent tooth is ready to come through.

Partial Braces

In some cases, braces may be placed on a limited number of teeth (typically the upper front teeth) to correct a specific problem such as an anterior crossbite or to align teeth that have erupted in poor positions. This is a targeted, shorter course of treatment rather than comprehensive braces for all teeth.

Myofunctional Appliances

Some children have a jaw growth discrepancy, for example a lower jaw that is significantly smaller than the upper jaw (a Class II relationship). For these children, myofunctional or functional appliances may be used to encourage forward growth of the lower jaw while the child is actively growing. These appliances are most effective during the pubertal growth spurt.

Habit-Breaking Appliances

For children with persistent thumb sucking or tongue thrust habits that are affecting tooth position or jaw development, appliances can be placed that discourage the habit and allow the teeth and jaws to develop without interference.

The Two-Phase Approach

Early orthodontic treatment is sometimes described as "Phase 1" treatment. The idea is that a targeted intervention during childhood addresses a specific developmental problem, and then a second phase of treatment (Phase 2, typically full braces or clear aligners) is carried out later once all permanent teeth have erupted.

The benefit of this approach is that the Phase 2 treatment is often shorter, simpler, and may avoid the need for tooth extractions or jaw surgery that would have been necessary without early intervention.

However, not all children who have Phase 1 treatment will need Phase 2. And for many children, the appropriate recommendation at their early assessment is simply to wait and begin comprehensive treatment when the time is right.

When to Bring Your Child for an Assessment

Consider having your child assessed if you notice:

Early or late loss of baby teeth
Difficulty chewing or biting
Mouth breathing or snoring
Thumb sucking beyond age 5
Crowded or overlapping teeth
Upper and lower teeth that do not meet correctly
Jaws that appear asymmetric or disproportionate
Permanent teeth that seem to be coming through in unusual positions

Even if none of these signs are present, a routine orthodontic screening around age 8 is a good idea. Many developing problems are not obvious to parents and are more easily identified by a dentist.

Orthodontic Assessment at Divine Dental Care

At our Croydon practice, several members of our team have an interest in orthodontics and children's dentistry. Dr Cecilia Chan and Dr Joy Liu both see children for orthodontic assessment and early intervention. We also offer traditional braces, clear aligners, and cosmetic braces for older children and adults.

Our in-house digital X-rays, CBCT imaging, and intraoral scanner allow us to carry out comprehensive orthodontic assessment and planning without needing to refer to external imaging facilities.

We see families from across the Maroondah area, including Ringwood, Heathmont, Mooroolbark, Bayswater, Kilsyth, and Montrose. Many parents combine their child's orthodontic check with a routine children's dental check-up.

Our practice is at 59 Wicklow Avenue, Croydon VIC 3136, with parking on site and near Croydon Station. Call (03) 9725 8040 or book online to arrange an orthodontic assessment for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age should my child first see a dentist about orthodontics?

The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic assessment by age 8. By this age, enough permanent teeth have come through to identify developing problems with jaw growth, crowding, and bite alignment. An early assessment does not mean treatment will start immediately. In many cases the recommendation is simply to monitor growth and reassess later.

What is interceptive orthodontics?

Interceptive orthodontics refers to orthodontic treatment carried out during childhood, typically between ages 7 and 11, while the jaws are still growing and the mix of baby and adult teeth is still present. The goal is to address specific problems early, such as crossbites, severe crowding, or jaw discrepancies, to simplify or potentially avoid more extensive treatment later in the teenage years.

What are palatal expanders?

A palatal expander is an appliance fixed to the upper teeth that gradually widens the upper jaw over several weeks. It is used when the upper jaw is too narrow relative to the lower jaw, which can cause a crossbite, crowding, or impacted teeth. Palatal expansion works well in children because the midline suture of the palate has not yet fused, allowing the jaw to be widened without surgery.

Does my child need braces now, or should we wait?

This depends on the specific problem. Some issues, like posterior crossbites and severe crowding, are better addressed during childhood when jaw growth can be guided. Others, like mild crowding or spacing, are more efficiently treated once all permanent teeth have erupted (typically age 12-14). Your dentist will assess your child and advise whether early treatment is beneficial or whether monitoring and deferring is the better approach.

How long does early orthodontic treatment take?

The duration varies depending on the issue being treated. Palatal expansion typically takes 2 to 4 months of active widening, followed by several months of retention. Other interceptive appliances may be worn for 6 to 18 months. A second phase of treatment (such as braces or clear aligners) may still be needed once all permanent teeth have come through, but early treatment often makes that second phase shorter and less complex.

How much does early orthodontic treatment cost?

Costs depend on the type of appliance and the complexity of the case. A palatal expander or space maintainer is generally less costly than full braces. Your dentist will provide a treatment plan with itemised costs after assessment. Some health funds provide orthodontic rebates for children. Check with your fund for details.

Early Interceptive Orthodontics