Early Orthodontic Treatment in Southland and Queenstown
Modern, comfortable orthodontic care for all ages
Find your treatment option
Early orthodontic treatment focuses on guiding jaw growth and tooth development while a child is still growing. At Embrace Orthodontics, we offer specialist early orthodontic treatment in Southland and Queenstown, designed for children, usually between the ages of 7 and 10.
Early treatment does not always mean braces straight away. In many cases, it involves monitoring growth or using simple orthodontic appliances to help create the right conditions for a healthy, well-aligned smile as adult teeth come through.
Why Choose Early Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment allows us to identify and address potential issues before they become more complex. By guiding growth at the right time, we can often reduce the need for more extensive treatment later.
Early treatment can help with:
Crowding or lack of space for adult teeth
Jaw growth concerns
Bite issues such as overbite, underbite or crossbite
Habits like thumb sucking that affect tooth alignment
Improving facial balance and oral function
Early assessment does not always lead to immediate treatment, but it provides reassurance and a clear plan for the future.
How Early Treatment Works
Early treatment begins with a detailed orthodontic assessment to understand how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing. We look at current alignment, growth patterns and how adult teeth are expected to emerge.
If treatment is recommended, it may involve a short phase using orthodontic appliances designed to guide growth or create space. In some cases, monitoring alone is the best approach until the time is right for further treatment.
What to Expect from Your Your Early Treatment Journey
Your Consultation
You’ll meet with one of our specialist orthodontists to discuss your child’s dental development. We’ll assess their teeth, bite and jaw growth, then explain whether early treatment is recommended.
Your Personalised Plan
If treatment is advised, we’ll take detailed records including photos, X-rays and a 3D scan if needed. This allows us to create a treatment plan tailored to your child’s growth and needs.
Treatment and Ongoing Care
If early treatment begins, we’ll monitor progress through regular appointments and gentle adjustments. Our team will guide you and your child through each stage with clear explanations and support.
Retention
Once early treatment is complete, or if monitoring is chosen, we’ll continue to review your child’s development. This helps ensure the right treatment is provided at the right time.
FAQs
What age should my child see an orthodontist?
An initial orthodontic check is recommended around age 7. At this stage, the first adult teeth are erupting, and jaw growth can be assessed. This allows early detection of developing problems.
Does early treatment mean my child will need braces sooner?
Not necessarily. Early treatment doesn’t always mean starting braces straight away. Sometimes we simply monitor growth and development. In other cases, addressing certain issues early can make future treatment simpler, shorter, or even prevent more complex problems later.
Is early treatment necessary for every child?
No. Many children only require regular monitoring as their teeth develop. Early treatment is recommended only when there are clear benefits, such as correcting jaw discrepancies, severe crowding, crossbites, or habits affecting development.
How long does early treatment take?
Early treatment usually lasts 6–15 months, depending on the type of problem being addressed. After this phase, your child enters a monitoring period while the remaining adult teeth come through.
What types of appliances are used in early treatment?
Early treatment may involve appliances such as palatal expanders, partial braces, space maintainers, face mask, or functional appliances (like Twin Blocks) that help guide jaw growth and create space for developing teeth.
Is early orthodontic treatment uncomfortable?
Children may feel some pressure or mild soreness for a few days after an appliance is fitted or adjusted. This is temporary and generally well tolerated. Most children adapt quickly.
Will my child still need braces later on?
In many cases, yes. Early treatment focuses on jaw development and preventing more serious problems. A second phase with full braces or aligners is often needed in the teenage years to precisely align the adult teeth. However, this later phase is often less complex thanks to the early intervention.
What happens after early treatment is finished?
After Phase 1 treatment, your child enters a supervision or observation phase. The orthodontist will schedule periodic recall visits to monitor growth, tooth eruption, and development. Once most or all adult teeth are in place, we will assess the need and timing for the next phase of treatment.