When Should your Child See an Orthodontist? | MOG Orthodontics

When should your child
see an orthodontist?

Get a specialist assessment and a clear answer.

If you’ve noticed crowding, bite issues, uneven jaw development, or your dentist has raised concerns, a specialist orthodontic assessment can tell you whether your child needs treatment now, should be monitored as they grow, or can simply wait.

Request a specialist assessment
No referral needed Complimentary* first visit No obligation
Registered specialist orthodontists
Five Melbourne locations
Est 1982 ~ over 40 years of specialist practice

Timing is important

Why an early orthodontic assessment matters

Some orthodontic concerns are best addressed during growth. Others are best left alone until the timing is right.

The challenge for parents is knowing the difference.

A specialist orthodontic assessment looks beyond straight teeth to evaluate jaw development, bite relationship, eruption patterns, and growth timing. We help you understand what matters now, what can safely wait and whether any treatment is needed at all.

Orthodontics Australia recommends a first assessment between 7-10 years. At this age, most children have a mix of baby and adult teeth, which allows a specialist orthodontist to identify developing concerns with jaw growth, bite relationship, and tooth eruption early.

Early assessment doesn’t mean early treatment. Many children are simply monitored until the timing is right. Source: Orthodontics Australia: When to see an Orthodontist.

What to look for

Signs your child may benefit from an assessment

Teeth & bite concerns

  • Crowded or overlapping teeth
  • Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
  • Teeth erupting out of position
  • Early or delayed loss of baby teeth

Growth & function

  • Difficulty biting or chewing
  • Jaw development concerns
  • Mouth breathing
  • Speech concerns

Habits & observations

  • Thumb sucking
  • Tooth grinding
  • A concern raised by your dentist
  • “Something doesn’t look quite right” – trust your instinct

You can book directly with us at any of our five Melbourne locations – no referral needed.

Request a specialist assessment

What to expect

What happens at your child’s first orthodontic visit

Your child will be assessed by a registered specialist orthodontist. We take the time to examine growth, bite function, jaw relationship, and tooth development, then explain what we’re seeing in plain language.

By the end of the visit, you’ll understand clearly where things stand.

1
Treatment is recommended now We’ll explain what treatment involves, why it’s relevant at this stage, and what the process looks like – with no pressure to decide on the day.
2
Monitoring is appropriate Some concerns are best observed while your child grows. We’ll tell you what to watch for and when to return.
3
No treatment is needed at this stage Not every child who visits us needs orthodontic treatment. Sometimes reassurance and monitoring are all that’s required.

Why families choose MOG Orthodontics

  • Registered specialist orthodontists – who have completed an additional 3 years of specialist orthodontic training.
  • Five convenient Melbourne locations – Armadale, Dandenong, Keilor, McKinnon, and Wantirna South.
  • Independent, orthodontist-owned – established in 1982 and still run by the specialists who treat your child.
  • Experienced with children, teenagers, and complex growth cases across more than four decades of practice.
  • No referral required – book directly when you’re ready.

Get started

Request a free specialist assessment

Get a clear understanding of your child’s orthodontic development from a registered specialist orthodontist.

 

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