Nurture Healthy Smiles Early
Early Orthodontics in Bunbury for Growing Kids
Why Early Orthodontic Assessment Matters
Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Care
- Thumb Sucking
Persistent thumb or finger sucking beyond age four can affect jaw growth and tooth alignment. A visit to a children’s dentist in Bunbury can assess whether the habit is affecting your child’s bite development.
- Early Tooth Loss
Losing baby teeth too soon may cause the remaining teeth to shift into the empty space. This can affect how adult teeth grow, sometimes requiring interceptive orthodontics to guide jaw and tooth alignment.
- Crowded Teeth
If adult teeth erupt without enough space, they may overlap or twist. This can make brushing difficult and increase the risk of decay. An early orthodontic assessment helps monitor spacing and guide your child’s dental development.
- Mouth Breathing
Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can influence jaw development and facial growth. It may also indicate bite concerns that are worth exploring during a child’s orthodontic consultation and early growth monitoring.
Help Your Child Smile Confidently With Early Care
- Balanced Jaw Growth
Guiding jaw development early can support better alignment between the upper and lower jaws. This encourages a healthier bite and may reduce the need for complex orthodontic treatments, such as braces, during adolescence.
- Improved Spacing
Addressing crowding early helps maintain sufficient space for adult teeth to erupt in the proper position. An early orthodontic assessment can track these changes and lower the risk of misalignment.
- Reduced Oral Habits
Early care often identifies habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. When addressed early, these behaviours can be managed before they begin to affect your child’s tooth alignment and bite development.
- Simplified Future Care
Using interceptive orthodontics can guide the development of teeth and jaws, potentially reducing the time, extent, or complexity of orthodontic care later on. Acting early often leads to fewer complications as your child grows.
We Accept CDBS—Check Your Child’s Eligibility Now
Book a visit today to see if your child qualifies for bulk-billed dental care under the CDBS. No referral is needed; just bring your Medicare details.
Why Bunbury Families Choose Us for Their Kids’ Smiles
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- Proudly Bunbury Locals
- We’re part of the Bunbury community, and many of us are parents ourselves. That means we understand local families, schools, and what makes kids feel safe and supported. Our team is here for the long haul. You can count on consistency, familiarity, and care from people who genuinely care about your child’s well-being.
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- Serving Since 2006
- For nearly 20 years, we’ve cared for Bunbury kids with kindness, patience, and clinical know-how. Generations of local families have grown up in our chairs, and some of those kids now bring in children of their own. We’re proud of that trust, and we work hard to earn it at every visit.
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- Gentle Dental Care for Every Generation
- Children’s dentistry is about more than teeth—it’s about building confidence and healthy habits early on. We make dental visits fun, friendly, and judgement-free. Whether your child is chatty or shy, nervous or fearless, we tailor every appointment to them. Plus, we offer checkups for the whole family in one spot—easy and convenient.
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- Personalised Care That Feels Right for You
- No rushed appointments. No scary tools. Just plenty of time, gentle explanations, and a whole lot of patience. We know every child is different, and every parent wants what’s right for their child. That’s why we listen first, explain clearly, and work with you to help create a positive experience from the very start.
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- Driven by Our Values
- Honesty, integrity, and a genuine love for helping kids—that’s what drives our team. There’s no upselling or scare tactics, just thoughtful, age-appropriate care from people you can trust. We care for your child like we’d care for our own, always focused on comfort, safety, and building trust for the long term.
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- Advanced Technology for Comfort and Precision
- Our kid-friendly technology helps make visits smoother and more comfortable. From gentle cleaning tools like EMS Airflow to low-radiation imaging and intraoral scanners, we use advanced tech to diagnose and care for young smiles with precision. All this while keeping things relaxed and simple for kids. Better tools mean better care, less stress, and more smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should a child see a dentist for an orthodontic assessment?
Most children have their first orthodontic assessment around age seven. At this stage, they usually have a mix of baby and adult teeth. This allows the dentist to assess how the teeth and jaw are developing.
Even if no treatment is needed yet, regular checks help guide future care decisions. For example, early signs of crowding or crossbites can be managed before they affect jaw growth or alignment. Some developmental issues are easier to manage when identified early.
Can a 7-year-old get braces?
Braces are rarely recommended at age seven, but some children may benefit from early orthodontic care. Children still have baby teeth at this age, so full braces are not typically recommended.
Most children don’t begin complete orthodontic treatment until ages 11 to 13, once their adult teeth have come through. Instead, the focus is often on monitoring growth, guiding jaw development, or addressing early concerns that may affect future development, such as crowding, crossbites, or early tooth loss.
What signs might indicate my child needs early orthodontic care?
Some dental issues are easier to manage when spotted early, especially while your child’s teeth and jaws are still developing.
The following signs may suggest your child could benefit from early orthodontics in Bunbury:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth:
If there isn’t enough room in the mouth, teeth may push against each other or twist as they grow. - Early or late loss of baby teeth:
Losing baby teeth much earlier or later than expected may affect how adult teeth come through. - Difficulty chewing or biting:
Struggling to bite into food or chew comfortably could point to a problem with jaw alignment. - Thumb sucking or dummy use beyond age four:
Prolonged habits may change how the teeth and jaw develop, possibly causing bite problems. - Teeth that don’t meet properly:
This includes overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites, where the top and bottom teeth don’t align as they should.
Are early braces worth it?
Early braces may be worthwhile for some children, depending on their needs and how their teeth and jaws are developing. Rather than focusing on appearance at a young age, early braces are used to support healthy and functional development. This treatment aims to create better conditions for future oral health, not immediate cosmetic changes. Early braces may be worthwhile when they help with one or more of the following developmental goals:
- Creating space for adult teeth:
This can help prevent crowding and may reduce the need for extractions later on. - Guiding jaw growth:
Supporting balanced development between the upper and lower jaws can promote better alignment. - Improving how the bite functions:
A well-aligned bite may reduce strain on the teeth and make chewing more comfortable.
Many children do not need braces until their adult teeth have come in. A dentist can assess your child’s development and discuss whether early braces may be helpful.
What is a palate expander, and when is it used?
A palate expander is an orthodontic device that gently widens the upper jaw over time. The upper jaw (also called the maxilla) is made up of two halves that don’t fully fuse until later in childhood. While the jaw is still developing, an expander applies gentle pressure to gradually move the two halves apart. This creates more space in the mouth and supports better alignment. A palate expander may be used when:
- The upper jaw is too narrow:
A narrow jaw may lead to crowding, crossbites, or breathing issues through the nose. - There is not enough space for adult teeth:
Widening the jaw may help prevent crowding and reduce the chance of needing extractions later. - A crossbite is present:
This means the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down. An expander can help guide better alignment.
Can kids get orthodontic treatment with baby teeth?
Yes, some children can begin orthodontic treatment while they still have baby teeth. This is called interceptive or early orthodontic treatment. It focuses on guiding the development of the jaws and teeth during early growth stages, before all the adult teeth have come through. Treatment at this stage doesn’t usually involve full braces. Instead, it may include:
- Palate expanders may be used to widen a narrow upper jaw.
Space maintainers are used to hold space for adult teeth if a baby tooth is lost early.
Removable appliances may help guide tooth movement or help manage habits like thumb sucking.
Is it too late to get braces at 16?
No, it’s not too late. Many teenagers start orthodontic treatment between the ages of 12 and 16. By age 16, most adult teeth are present, and the jaws are still developing. This is a common time to begin treatment, as the teeth and bite can still be guided with care.
There’s no strict age limit for braces. The timing depends on your child’s dental development and individual needs. A dentist can help determine if treatment at 16 is a good fit and discuss what options might be available.
Is Invisalign an option for younger children?
Invisalign may be an option for some younger children, depending on their dental development and how well they can follow instructions. Invisalign also offers a version for growing children known as Invisalign First. It’s designed for those with baby teeth or a mix of baby and adult teeth.
For treatment to be effective, the aligners typically need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day. Because of this, they’re suited to children who can wear the aligners consistently, have mild to moderate alignment concerns, and may benefit from early care but are more comfortable with a clear, removable option.
