We Offer Children’s Orthodontics to Create Healthy, Lasting Smiles

Flinders Dental Practice is excited to be your preferred destination for your child’s orthodontics near Flinders, Victoria. We understand that orthodontics goes beyond aesthetics. We offer paediatric ortho screenings, dental braces, and clear aligners to help your child achieve a healthy, functional smile.

When should my child start orthodontic care?

Dentists suggest that children should undergo orthodontic evaluation by age 7. After the initial screening, we recommend periodic check-ups to evaluate the growth of milk teeth and maxillary bones. Orthodontic treatment doesn’t start until age 11, when adult teeth have replaced most baby teeth.

Early orthodontic care identifies and addresses potential problems with your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite. With children’s orthodontic screenings, we can prevent minor issues from advancing as your child grows. For example, habits like thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, or mouth-breathing can lead to narrowed dental arches or misaligned bites. Early intervention allows us to correct these behaviours and their effects, reducing the need for more extensive treatments later in life.

Why does orthodontics matter in children?

Orthodontic care in children goes beyond the visible. Of course, perfectly aligned teeth look beautiful, but orthodontics is more than creating straight smiles.

Here are the benefits of paediatric orthodontics:

  • Improved airway: Problems like narrow jaws, misaligned teeth, or improper bite patterns can lead to restricted airflow, especially during sleep. A compromised airway can contribute to sleep-disordered breathing problems like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Early orthodontic treatment guides proper jaw development, avoiding airway-related oral health issues.
  • Better oral health: Crooked or overcrowded teeth can create “hidden spots” in the mouth, which are hard to reach with the toothbrush. Food debris and harmful bacteria accumulate in these spaces, causing gum disease, decay, and bad breath. Straighter teeth are easy to brush and floss, maintaining optimal oral health.
  • Improved confidence: Misaligned teeth can cause your child to cover their mouth when talking or avoid smiling. Orthodontics eliminates the source of these insecurities, allowing your little one to interact more confidently.
  • Improved function: Misaligned teeth or jaw issues can affect speech and chewing ability. Orthodontics corrects these problems, allowing for clear communication and better functionality.

What are our paediatric orthodontic options?

Traditional metal braces are the most widely used orthodontic treatment for children. They consist of brackets and wires that work together to apply controlled pressure on the teeth. Metal braces move your child’s teeth over time, correcting crooked teeth, gaps, overcrowding, and bite misalignments.

Although the metal wires and brackets are visible, modern braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever before. Braces can be customised with colourful bands, making them a fun and personalised experience for children.

Invisalign is available for teens. This modern orthodontic system straightens your teeth with customised transparent aligners. The aligners are nearly invisible when worn, ensuring discreetness. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, so they don’t affect your child’s oral hygiene and dietary choices.

Do you need children’s orthodontics in Flinders, Victoria?

Paediatric dentistry helps your child achieve and maintain a healthy smile. Whether your child needs orthodontic evaluation or treatment, you can trust Flinders Dental Practice for expert care. Call (03) 5989-1129 and reserve your appointment today!