Early orthodontic
treatment for children
Also called interceptive or Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, an early assessment lets our Specialist Orthodontists see how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing — and act at the right time, only when it genuinely helps. Book a first check-up at any of our four Auckland clinics.
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What is early
orthodontic treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment — sometimes called interceptive or Phase 1 orthodontic treatment — is care that begins while a child still has a mix of baby and adult teeth, rather than waiting until every adult tooth has come through. One of our Specialist Orthodontists will look at how the teeth and jaws are developing and, where it helps, guide the teeth and jaw growth at the most effective time. Often the first step is simply keeping a close eye on things.
When should my child
first see an orthodontist?
Auckland City Orthodontics recommends a child’s first orthodontic check-up at around seven years of age. By then, enough adult teeth have usually come through for us to see how the bite is developing - and to step in early if that will help.
A first visit is relaxed and informative. Your child’s orthodontist will check their teeth, jaws and bite, answer your questions, and explain whether anything is worth watching - or whether treatment could help now.
In many cases, nothing needs to be done straight away. We’ll simply review your child’s growth over time and let you know if and when the right moment for treatment arrives.
How early treatment can help
When it’s the right time, treating early can make the most of your child’s natural growth. Every child is different, so your orthodontist will only suggest what will genuinely benefit your child.
Guiding growth
Gently influence how the jaws develop while your child is still growing.
Creating space
Create or maintain room for adult teeth to come through, which may reduce crowding later.
Correcting the bite
Address concerns such as crossbites, underbites or a narrow upper jaw early.
Managing habits
Help with habits like thumb-sucking that can affect how the teeth and jaws grow.
Simpler later on
Where early treatment is needed, acting early can in some cases make later treatment more straightforward.
Growing confidence
Support your child’s confidence as their smile develops.
What early treatment
can involve
What early treatment looks like depends entirely on your child’s needs - and often that is very little. When something will help, options can include a palatal expander to widen a narrow upper jaw, a short course of partial braces or clear aligners, space maintainers, or a simple appliance to help with a habit. Your orthodontist will only recommend what’s genuinely useful, and will explain exactly what it involves.
As your child grows, we’ll let you know whether a later stage of treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, is likely - and help you plan for it.
Early treatment FAQs
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive or Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, is care that begins while a child still has some baby teeth. Our Specialist Orthodontists will monitor how the teeth and jaws are developing and only step in when acting early will genuinely help.
Auckland City Orthodontics recommends a first orthodontic check-up at around seven years of age. An early evaluation lets us spot any developing issues and, if needed, act to stop them worsening. If you’ve noticed something sooner, you’re welcome to book any time.
Common signs that an early assessment may be beneficial include early or late loss of baby teeth, crowded or clearly out-of-line teeth, a significant overbite, and underbite, difficulty chewing or biting, a jaw that shifts or clicks, mouth breathing, or a thumb- or finger-sucking habit that has continued past the early years. Any of these is a good reason to book a check-up - though only an assessment can tell whether treatment is needed.
Two-phase treatment means a short course of early treatment while your child is still growing (Phase 1), followed later by braces or clear aligners once most of the adult teeth have come through (Phase 2). Not every child needs two phases - for many, treatment at the right time in a single phase is enough.
No. For many children the best approach is simply to monitor their growth. We only recommend treatment when it will make a genuine difference, and we’re always happy to explain why.
Sometimes. Early treatment doesn’t always remove the need for braces or clear aligners later, but it can make a later phase more straightforward. Your orthodontist will talk you through what to expect.
No. You don’t need a referral from your dentist to see a Specialist Orthodontist in New Zealand - you can book a consultation with us directly. If your dentist has referred your child, we’re happy to work alongside them.
We offer free* initial consultations, though some appointments - including certain consultations for children under 12 - attract a $250 fee. Our team will always let you know what applies before your visit - see our costs page for more.
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Is early treatment
right for your child?
The best place to start is a chat with one of our Specialist Orthodontists. We’ll check how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing and give you clear, honest advice - including whether now is the right time. All our specialist orthodontists have a particular passion for treating younger children!
BOOK A CONSULTATION*Terms and conditions apply. Some consultations - including some for children under 12, referrals, transfers and second opinions - attract a $250 fee.