🎙️ Bite-Sized Dental | Episode: When Should Kids have an Orthodontic Assessment
Hosts: Dr Bing Lee & Glenn Hartas
Transcript
Glenn Hartas:
Way FM 105.3 — your positive alternative. Hello, Glenn here, and joining me once again from our station sponsor Innova Dental is Dr Bing. Dr Bing, always great to have you here.
Dr Bing:
Hi Glenn, always a pleasure.
Glenn Hartas:
So today we’re chatting about orthodontics for kids. I think most people associate braces with teenagers — but is that actually where it starts?
Dr Bing:
Great question. A lot of people are surprised to hear this, but orthodontic issues often begin long before the teenage years. That’s why we recommend kids have their first orthodontic assessment by the age of seven. It’s not about putting braces on them straight away, it’s about keeping an eye on how their jaws and teeth are developing, and spotting issues early before they become bigger problems.
Glenn Hartas:
What should parents be watching out for? Are there any signs that a child might need orthodontic attention?
Dr Bing:
Yes — there are a few key things we look for. If your child has difficulty chewing, if they breathe through their mouth, or if they have trouble speaking clearly, those are all red flags to look out for.
Also habits like thumb-sucking after age 4, or teeth that seem crowded or sticking out can signal that something’s not developing quite right.
Glenn Hartas:
So what happens if you do pick something up early? What’s the benefit of that?
Dr Bing:
Catching these issues early means we can often guide growth or teeth eruption gently, sometimes using simple appliances or even just monitoring growth. It might help the jaws align properly or create space for adult teeth.
In some cases, early intervention can reduce or even eliminate the need for braces later on, or at least make treatment shorter and simpler in the teenage years. It’s all about giving your child the best chance at a confident, healthy smile.
Glenn Hartas:
Now this might be a silly question, but does every kid need braces?
Dr Bing:
Not silly at all — and no, definitely not! Some kids have perfectly aligned teeth, broad arches and bite naturally. But without an early check, we just can’t tell. An early assessment gives parents peace of mind either way, whether we say, “all good!” or “let’s keep an eye on this.”
Glenn Hartas:
How does Innova Dental help make this process stress-free for families?
Dr Bing:
We really focus on making it easy and relaxed. Assessments are gentle, informative, and often just a quick check as part of your child’s regular maintenance appointment.
We also work closely with orthodontic specialists when needed, and everything is explained clearly so there are no surprises.
Our goal is to keep families informed.
Glenn Hartas:
And what about the cost? Is early orthodontic assessment expensive?
Dr Bing:
Not at all. In fact, in many cases, the assessment is included as part of a regular maintenance appointment. Even if regular monitoring is needed, it’s usually just a case of checking in every 6 to 12 months.
It’s also worth noting that while the Child Dental Benefits Schedule doesn’t cover braces, it does cover general dental for eligible children, so we can still make sure everything else is on track.
Glenn Hartas:
That’s great advice, Dr Bing. So to wrap it up — what would you say to a parent who’s unsure if their child needs an orthodontic check?
Dr Bing:
I’d say: if your child is around 7 or older, or if you’ve noticed anything different about their bite, crowding, or habits that worry you — it’s worth a chat and getting them in for an examination.
We’re always here to help at Innova Dental, and an early check can make all the difference later on.
Glenn Hartas:
Always nice to have Dr Bing from Innova Dental.
Tune in live every Monday and Friday on Way FM 105.3 or head to https://www.wayfm.org.au/on-air/mornings/ for more details.