When should a child first see an orthodontist?
Around age seven. That is when the first adult molars and incisors are usually through, which is the earliest point at which a developing bite can be read properly. It is the standard recommendation internationally and it is what we work to at our Dundrum clinic.
Seven sounds early to most parents, and the reason for it is not that seven-year-olds need braces. Most of them do not. It is that a handful of problems are far easier to deal with while a child is still growing, and much harder afterwards:
- A crossbite pulling the lower jaw to one side when the child bites together.
- An upper jaw too narrow for the lower one.
- Front teeth protruding far enough to be at real risk of damage in a fall or a match.
- Adult teeth failing to come through, or coming through in the wrong place.
- Habits such as persistent thumb sucking that are changing the shape of the bite.
Catching these at seven does not mean treating them at seven. It means knowing they are there and choosing the right moment.
Book a check-up for your child.
What happens at the appointment
One of our specialist orthodontists examines your child's teeth, jaws and bite, looks at how the adult teeth are coming through, and takes any records needed to judge that properly. It is a straightforward appointment and there is nothing uncomfortable in it.
You will then get one of three answers:
- Nothing needed, and nothing likely to be. The bite is developing well. We will say so plainly and your child carries on with routine care at your own dentist.
- Nothing needed yet. Something is worth watching, so we review your child periodically until the timing is right.
- Something worth doing now. A limited early treatment that either makes the later stage simpler or heads off a bigger problem.
The first answer is the most common one, and we would rather give it than start treatment that is not needed. Treating a child too early usually means treating them twice.
You do not need a referral from your dentist, though we are glad to receive one.
Book a check-up at our Ballinteer Road clinic.
What does an early check-up cost?
Ring our reception on 01 296 3638 and we will tell you the fee for an early assessment before you book, so there are no surprises on the day.
If treatment is recommended, whether now or in a few years, you will be given a written plan with a firm figure before anything starts. Nothing is added to it later.
When the time comes, treatment fees can be spread monthly, interest free, over the course of treatment, or settled in full at the start for a 5% discount. Orthodontic treatment is tax deductible at 20% and we will complete your MED 2 form for your Revenue claim.
Book a check-up at our Dundrum clinic.
The Process
A proper look at your teeth, bite and jaws, and a conversation about what is actually bothering you. We take your dental and medical history, examine you, and take whatever records are needed, which may include X-rays, photographs and a digital scan with our iTero.
You leave knowing what we have found and what the realistic options are, including leaving things alone where that is the right answer.
We review the X-rays, photographs and scan alongside the examination findings and put together a plan specific to you. It sets out the appliance we recommend, how long treatment should take, the fee, and any preparatory work needed first.
This is a two-way appointment. We go through the alternatives, including doing nothing, and answer whatever you want to ask before you decide anything.
If your child has something that needs addressing at this stage, we may fit an appliance, or arrange a panoramic X-ray or 3D scan first to see the full picture.
Early treatment is limited and purposeful. It is not the same as a full course of braces, which usually comes later once the adult teeth are through.
In most cases a child's teeth are developing well and nothing needs doing at all. We will say so plainly, and review them in a few years once the dentition is more mature.
Where an appliance has been fitted, or where something is worth watching closely, we review more often, usually every three to six months.
Book a Consultation
Discuss your goals with one of our specialist orthodontists to find out what treatment option suits you best.
FAQs
Around age seven. That is when the first adult molars and incisors are usually through, which is the earliest point a developing bite can be read properly.
It does not mean braces at seven. Most children assessed at that age need nothing for several years, and we say so rather than finding something to treat. What it catches are the problems that are far easier to deal with while a child is still growing: a crossbite making the jaw shift, a narrow upper jaw, or front teeth protruding enough to be at risk in a fall.
You do not need a referral. More on our early check-up page.
Read what our patients say about us
"I went to so many dentists about my bite problem only to be dismissed. Dr Adriana and her team gave me a plan, I followed it, and two and a half years later I can smile, eat and bite properly."
"Two of my daughters had braces fitted by the lovely Dr. Katherine Condren. I would highly recommend her services, she was so good with my daughters, we are extremely happy with the service received and they both have beautiful smiles now."
"My bonded retainer came loose and several other practices turned me away. Dundrum Orthodontics saw me straight away and had it fixed within minutes."
"Dr Joseph O’Connor is such a skilled orthodontist. His kindness and attention to detail is outstanding. He takes the time to explain everything and makes you feel very comfortable. Could not recommend him more."
"I got Invisalign here in my forties and could not be happier. My daughter had braces with them a few years ago, and my sister brought her daughter on my recommendation. Exceptional service and amazing results."
"Joseph is a kind, compassionate and skilled orthodontist. He has a beautiful patient manner and his attention to detail is second to none. Highly recommend."
"Coming to the end of my braces and I couldn't be happier. The whole team are friendly and professional, and they take their time to make sure the end result is exactly what you want."
"I had a great experience with Dr O’Connor and his team. Booking was simple and they were very friendly & efficient throughout. Would highly recommended."
"My son got his braces off this morning and I am delighted with the result. Over two years, any worries we had were sorted and every question answered, always with a friendly and professional approach."
"Amazing service, highly professional. Dr O'Connor was really kind and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend!"
"Dr O'Connor is a brilliant orthodontist, the consultation was thorough and he's easy to talk to."
"Extremely happy with the outcome after braces, great attention to detail! Highly recommend."
"A long and difficult process was made easy by their care and attention. The attention to detail and professionalism was second to none."
"The staff are extremely skilled as well as friendly and easy to talk to. I am very happy with my results and with how the whole process was handled."
Begin Your Journey
Thinking about it? Book your first consultation and come see us — we'll take it from there.
