Orthodontic treatment
for children in Melbourne

At Knox City Orthodontics, we understand that some orthodontic concerns are best addressed before all the adult teeth have come through. That’s why we offer early assessments and treatment for children aged 7 and up - helping support healthy growth, guide jaw development, and reduce the need for more complex treatment later.

Serving families in Wantirna, Wantirna South and the wider Melbourne community, our children’s orthodontic care focuses on what’s best for your child at the right time. That might mean early treatment, a monitoring plan - or just reassurance and advice.

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Orthodontic treatment for children in Melbourne

When should my child
see an orthodontist?

The ideal time for a first orthodontic assessment is around age 7 or 8, when your child has a mix of baby and adult teeth. At this stage, we can identify concerns related not just to the teeth - but to the jaw, bite, facial growth, and oral habits.

Early assessments don’t always lead to treatment. Often, they help us create a custom Growth Guidance Plan, where we monitor your child’s development over time and only intervene if needed.

But in some cases - such as crossbites, jaw discrepancies, or thumb-sucking - we can achieve far better outcomes by starting early.

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When should my child see an orthodontist?

What does early orthodontic treatment involve?

Functional appliances

Used to guide jaw development, improve bite, and create better facial balance - especially in growing children with overjets or lower jaw deficiencies.

Removable plates

Ideal for minor crowding, single tooth corrections or habit breaking. These devices are easy to clean and well tolerated by most children.

Expanders

Used to widen the upper jaw and make space for permanent teeth, reducing the likelihood of extractions later.

Monitoring & timing

In some cases, early treatment is not needed - but we’ll continue to monitor your child’s growth with 6–12 month review appointments.

Functional appliances: guiding the jaw,
not just the teeth

Unlike standard braces, functional appliances are designed to influence the way the jaw bones grow. This is especially helpful for children with an underdeveloped lower jaw or noticeable overjet (“buck teeth”).

Appliances like the Twin Block or Herbst are custom-made to encourage natural forward jaw growth during key developmental windows. Not only does this improve the bite - it can also enhance facial balance and reduce the need for surgery later in life.

Removable appliances:
simple solutions with
a big impact

Removable appliances (sometimes called “plates”) can correct specific tooth movements or gently discourage habits like thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting. These custom-designed devices are typically worn for a few months and are a great way to intercept developing issues without full braces.

They can also be used as part of a two-phase treatment plan, where early intervention creates a better foundation before future alignment is addressed with braces or clear aligners.

Removable appliances: simple solutions with a big impact

Early treatment
and braces for kids

While most children won’t need full braces until their early teens, in some cases we may recommend partial braces or sectional alignments during early treatment. These limited-phase braces can be used to correct severe rotations, preserve space, or prevent damage to erupting adult teeth.

Our approach is always conservative and thoughtful - ensuring your child only receives the care they truly need, when they need it most.

Early treatment and braces for kids

What to expect at your child’s first appointment

  • A gentle, relaxed consultation with our experienced team
  • Photos and/or 3D scans to assess bite, jaw, and eruption patterns
  • Honest advice on whether any treatment such as braces is needed now - or in the future
  • A clear Growth Guidance Plan if ongoing monitoring is the best approach

We’ll always explain everything in plain language, so you and your child feel informed and supported from day one.

What to expect at your child’s first appointment

Book a consultation
for your child

Early orthodontic care isn’t just about straight teeth - it’s about setting your child up for long-term health and confidence. At Knox City Orthodontics, we’re here to guide you with expert advice, personalised care, and a warm, welcoming environment.

Book a consultation today to find out if your child would benefit from early orthodontic treatment - or simply to start building a plan for the future.

Book your child’s consultation
Book a consultation for your child