Healthy Smiles Start Early
Early orthodontic assessment can help identify jaw development, crowding and bite concerns while your child is still growing.
At Waverley Road Dental in Mount Waverley, we provide early intervention orthodontics to support healthy dental development and guide growing smiles.
We also offer flexible payment options to help make your child’s orthodontic treatment more manageable and affordable for your family.
What Is Early Intervention Orthodontics?
Also known as interceptive orthodontics, early orthodontic treatment addresses developing problems with the teeth, bite and jaw growth in children.
Early assessment allows us to monitor development and recommend treatment at an appropriate stage when needed.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early intervention may help:
- Guide jaw and facial development
- Manage crowded or crooked teeth
- Create space for developing adult teeth
- Address bite and alignment concerns
- Identify developing orthodontic problems early
Not every child needs early treatment. An assessment helps determine whether treatment is recommended or simply monitoring their development is the better approach.
Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontics
Consider an assessment if you notice:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Protruding front teeth
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- An uneven or unusual bite
- Mouth breathing or certain oral habits
- Concerns about jaw or facial development
Early Intervention Orthodontics Process
Thinking about Early Intervention Orthodontics? Here’s a simple step-by-step look at what you can expect throughout your treatment journey.
1.
Initial Consultation & Assessment
Our dentist will assess your child’s teeth, jaw development and bite alignment. X-rays or digital scans may be recommended to identify potential orthodontic concerns.
2.
Personalised Treatment Plan
If early treatment is needed, we’ll create a personalised plan based on your child’s dental development, explaining the recommended treatment, expected timeline and payment options.
3.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Depending on your child’s needs, treatment may involve removable appliances, expanders or braces to help guide jaw development, manage spacing and improve bite alignment.
4.
Monitoring & Ongoing Care
We’ll schedule regular check-ups to monitor your child’s progress and make adjustments as needed. As their permanent teeth develop, we’ll assess whether further orthodontic treatment is required.
Choose the Right
PAYMENT PLAN
Hicaps
HEALTH INSURANCE
✓ Claim your health insurance on the spot
✓ Fast and convenient processing
✓ Available for participating health funds
✓ Simply bring your health fund card
Eftpos
CARD PAYMENTS
✓ Pay using your debit or credit card
✓ Fast, secure and convenient
✓ Available in-clinic
Cash
IN-CLINIC
✓ Pay in cash at your visit
✓ Simple and straightforward
✓ Receipt provided
Direct Transfer
BANK TRANSFER
✓ Pay directly from your bank account
✓ Secure and convenient
✓ Ask our team for bank details
Superannuation Fund
✓ Access your superannuation for eligible dental treatment
✓ May be suitable for certain major dental procedures
✓ Our team can guide you through the process
Payment Plans with DOSSH
✓ Flexible repayment options
✓ Get the dental treatment you need sooner
✓ Simple application process
✓ Spread the cost of your treatment
Why Choose Waverley Road Dental?
Personalised Care
Every child’s development is different, so treatment is tailored to their individual needs.
Early Assessment
Identifying developing concerns early allows us to plan treatment at the right stage.
Modern Orthodontic Planning
We use modern diagnostic technology to assess your child’s teeth, bite and jaw development.
Local Mount Waverley Team
Your child receives ongoing care from a friendly dental team close to home.
Early Orthodontic Treatment Options
Treatment depends on your child’s age, development and individual needs and may include:
- Orthodontic appliances to guide jaw or dental development
- Space management for developing adult teeth
- Partial braces where appropriate
- Myofunctional guidance for certain oral habits
- Monitoring growth and tooth development until treatment is needed
Your dentist will explain the recommended approach after a comprehensive assessment.
Early Intervention Orthodontics FAQs
What is early intervention orthodontics?
Early intervention orthodontics focuses on identifying and managing dental alignment, jaw development and bite concerns in children while they are still growing. Treatment may help guide dental development, create space for permanent teeth and address certain orthodontic problems before they become more complex.
At what age should my child have their first orthodontic assessment?
Children are generally recommended to have their first orthodontic assessment by age 7. At this stage, a dentist can assess jaw growth, bite alignment and emerging permanent teeth. Not every child needs early treatment, but an assessment can help identify concerns that may benefit from monitoring or intervention.
How do I know if my child needs early orthodontic treatment?
Common signs that your child may benefit from an early orthodontic assessment include:
-
Crowded or overlapping teeth
-
Early or late loss of baby teeth
-
Difficulty biting or chewing
-
Crossbite, overbite or underbite
-
Prolonged thumb sucking
-
Teeth that do not meet properly when biting
At Waverley Road Dental in Mount Waverley, we can assess your child’s dental development and recommend whether treatment or monitoring is appropriate.
How long does early intervention orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment duration depends on your child’s age, dental development and orthodontic needs. An active phase of early treatment may take approximately 6–18 months, although some cases require more or less time.
Regular check-ups help us monitor progress and determine whether further treatment is necessary.
Will my child still need braces after early intervention orthodontics?
Some children may still need braces or clear aligners once their permanent teeth have developed. Early intervention aims to address specific concerns during growth, but it does not always eliminate the need for future orthodontic treatment.
Our team will explain the expected treatment stages and monitor your child’s progress as they grow.
How much does early intervention orthodontics cost, and are payment plans available?
The cost of early intervention orthodontics varies depending on your child’s treatment needs, the type of appliance required and the duration of treatment.
At Waverley Road Dental, we offer flexible payment options, including payment plans, to help families manage orthodontic treatment costs.
During your child’s consultation, we’ll explain the recommended treatment, estimated fees and available payment options.
Give Their Growing Smile a Healthy Start
If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth, bite or jaw development, an early orthodontic assessment can help you understand whether treatment is needed now or in the future.