The Australian Association of Orthodontics recommends that a child first see their orthodontist at seven years, as many common orthodontic problems can be diagnosed and easily treated before jaw growth has slowed. Treatment is unlikely to occur at this young age, but it is the ideal age for examination and a monitoring period to occur. Not only is early orthodontic evaluation helpful in assessing the relationship developing between your child's teeth, jaws and face but it may also save you money in the future!

At an early stage your Smiles Group orthodontist will be able to guide your child’s dental growth and development, ultimately preventing serious problems later in life. By the age of seven, the first adult molars are present and this is crucial as they form the back bite. At this stage we are able to evaluate the front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationship and start to address any issues.

Early assessment at Smiles Group Orthodontics can help with the following:

• Guide jaw growth

• Correct harmful oral habits

• Prevent crowding of teeth and tooth removal

• Lower the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth

• Guide for a more aesthetic arrangement of teeth, lips and face

• Prevent long orthodontic treatment times

If you notice any of the following, it may also be beneficial for you child to be assessed by a Smiles Group Orthodontist:

• Sucking of the thumb or other oral habits

• Jaws that protrude or are recessed

• Difficulty in chewing

• Mouth breathing

• Early or late loss of baby teeth

• Shifting jaw

• Speech difficulties

• Facial imbalance

• Grinding or clenching of teeth

• Inability to comfortably close lips

Smiles Group Orthodontics is focused on providing beautiful healthy smiles for life. Most comprehensive orthodontic treatment starts in the early teen years when the last baby teeth are close to being lost and children are growing rapidly. This is when it is easiest to spot issues like crooked teeth, gaps and bad bites.

Starting at this time allows us to provide the best treatment for every patient and also potentially reduce the overall length of treatment, as in the teenage years growth and development is still underway and there is an opportunity to 'shape' how the teeth align.

Everyone remembers the gawky teen years and we understand the importance of a confident smile while developing socially. We think that having orthodontic treatment as a teenager should also be about having some fun with braces. Our patients can choose colours to match their favourite outfit, support a sports team or just because they look great! For those who don’t want the appearance of braces there is also the option of tooth coloured brackets and transparent (clear) aligners to keep the teeth looking fresh while your new smile is being created.

It’s important to get the right treatment at the right time so that it lasts and you can have your perfect smile for life.

Think you’ve missed your chance for a straight, aesthetically pleasing smile? Think again! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful, healthy smile. Today, an increasing number of adults are choosing to wear braces to straighten their teeth, improve their smiles and correct their bite. Straight teeth are easier to clean and maintain, and adult teeth can move orthodontically just like adolescent teeth. It can be said that straight teeth tend to be healthier teeth.

Adults with crooked teeth and a misaligned bite can contribute to:

• Gum and bone loss

• Tooth decay

• Abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces

• Headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain

• Difficulties biting, chewing and articulating speech clearly

• Self-esteem issues due to poor smile and/or facial aesthetics

Modern orthodontic treatment has evolved and is now convenient and socially acceptable for adults. Smiles Group Orthodontics offers a wide range of fixed and removable orthodontic appliances for adults. Modern orthodontic treatments have never been less visible and can even be placed on the inside of your teeth!

We build beautiful smiles!