The right care, at the right time.
Interceptive orthodontics for children aged 7–12. Guiding jaw growth and creating space while your child is still growing.
The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends assessment by age 7.
At seven, your child has a mix of baby and adult teeth — and enough growth remaining for an orthodontist to identify developing problems and intervene before they become complex.
Not every child needs early treatment. But every child benefits from knowing whether they do — and planning ahead if they don't. — Dr Stewart Denize
Guiding growth, not just straightening teeth.
Jaw growth guidance
Plates and expanders can widen a narrow upper jaw, encourage forward growth, or correct asymmetry — but only while the jaw is still growing.
Creating space for adult teeth
Space maintainers and arch development appliances can prevent crowding before it happens, reducing the need for extractions later.
Correcting crossbites
A crossbite in a growing child can cause the jaw to shift and develop asymmetrically. Early correction prevents permanent skeletal changes.
Reducing future complexity
A short course of interceptive treatment at age 8–10 can simplify — or even eliminate — the need for full braces in the teenage years.
Appliances designed for growing jaws.
Plates
Removable appliances that apply gentle pressure to widen the jaw or move specific teeth. Worn most of the time and adjusted regularly.
Expanders
Fixed appliances that gradually widen the upper jaw over several weeks. Most effective during the growth years when the palatal suture is still flexible.
Space maintainers
Hold space open for adult teeth when baby teeth are lost early. Prevents neighbouring teeth from drifting and creating crowding.
Dr Denize will only recommend early treatment when there is a clear clinical benefit. Many children are best served by monitoring their growth and starting comprehensive treatment in their early teens.
Frequently asked questions about early treatment.
The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic assessment by age 7. At this age, your child has a mix of baby and adult teeth, and enough growth remaining for a specialist to identify developing problems. You can book directly at our Claremont practice — no referral is needed.
No. You can book a consultation directly with Dr Denize at Claremont Orthodontics. Some families are referred by their dentist, but a referral is not required.
Phase 1, or interceptive treatment, is early intervention typically carried out between ages 7 and 12. It uses appliances such as plates, expanders, and space maintainers to guide jaw growth, create space for adult teeth, and correct developing problems like crossbites — while your child is still growing.
In some cases, yes. Early treatment addresses specific developing problems but may not eliminate the need for comprehensive braces in the teenage years. However, it can reduce the complexity and duration of later treatment. Dr Denize will discuss the long-term plan with you from the outset.
Signs to look for include crowding or overlapping teeth, crossbite, thumb or finger sucking habits beyond age 5, early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing, and mouth breathing. If you notice any of these, a specialist assessment at our Stirling Highway practice can provide clarity.
The cost of early treatment depends on the appliance used and the duration of treatment. Early intervention is typically less involved than full braces, and costs are discussed in full at your consultation with no hidden fees. Flexible payment plans are available for families at our Claremont practice.
After completing an early treatment phase, many children will transition to a monitoring period where we observe how the adult teeth are erupting. Retainers may or may not be recommended at this stage depending on the case. Dr Denize will explain the full plan — including what happens after Phase 1 — at your child's consultation.
In some cases, early intervention can simplify or shorten later treatment — and occasionally eliminate the need for comprehensive braces altogether. However, Dr Denize is always honest: many children still benefit from full braces in their early teens even after early treatment. The goal is the best long-term outcome for your child, not reducing appointments for its own sake.
Book a growth assessment.
A free consultation* for your child gives you a clear picture of their dental development — and a plan for the future, whether that means treatment now or watchful waiting.