Is Your Child's Smile Developing on Track? Find Out From a Specialist Orthodontist.
Around age 7 is the ideal time for a first orthodontic check. A quick, gentle visit with Nelson & Tasman's only specialist orthodontists will tell you what's happening now, what to watch for, and whether anything needs to happen at all.
No referral needed - Booking takes 60 seconds - We'll call you to find a time that suits
Specialist Orthodontists
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Clinics in Nelson & Richmond
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No Referral Required
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Payment Plans Available
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Specialist Orthodontists | Clinics in Nelson & Richmond | No Referral Required | Payment Plans Available |
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Early Treatment Is About Timing.
Timing Takes Specialist Training.
Many dental practices offer orthodontic options, but a specialist orthodontist is different. After completing a dental degree, a specialist orthodontist completes an additional three years of full-time university training focused entirely on tooth movement, jaw growth and facial development.
This matters most in children. Deciding whether to treat, when to treat and when to wait depends on reading growth patterns accurately. Sometimes the most valuable advice a specialist gives is that no treatment is needed yet.
Dr Ana Low and Dr Andrew Marriott are the only Dental Council-registered specialist orthodontists in the Nelson and Tasman region. Orthodontics is all we do, for children, teens and adults, from our clinics in Nelson and Richmond.
When choosing who will guide your child's orthodontic care, it's worth asking: "Are you a registered specialist orthodontist?"
Read more: Is my dentist an Orthodontist?
Why Earlier Is Often Easier
Orthodontists in New Zealand, along with the American Association of Orthodontists, recommend that every child has an orthodontic check by age 7. At this age your child has a mix of baby and adult teeth, and their jaw is still growing. That gives a specialist orthodontist a clear view of how things are developing, and a chance to step in early if something needs attention.
Early assessment can help to:
Spot problems best treated while your child is growing, such as crossbites, which can affect how the jaw develops if left alone.
Plan the right timing for braces. Most children who need braces start once their adult teeth are through, but some bites respond best when treated at specific stages of growth. Read more: When is the best age to get braces?
Address habits early, such as thumb sucking, before they affect how teeth and jaws develop.
Protect prominent front teeth, which are more prone to chips and knocks during sport and play.
Give you peace of mind, whatever the outcome.
Most children we see at this age don't need treatment yet. Many just need occasional monitoring. Either way, you'll leave knowing exactly where things stand.
Signs to Book an Orthodontic Check
Some signs are easy to spot at home. Others are only visible to a trained specialist. If you've noticed any of these, it's worth an assessment:
Baby teeth lost very early, or much later than friends the same age
Crowded, overlapping or crooked adult teeth coming through
Front teeth that stick out, or top teeth that sit well behind the bottom teeth
Top back teeth that sit inside the bottom teeth when biting (a crossbite)
Teeth that don't meet when your child bites down
A jaw that shifts to one side when they close their mouth
Mouth breathing or regular snoring
Thumb or finger sucking that's continuing as adult teeth come through. Read more: Thumbsucking uncovered: the science, the myths, and how orthodontists can help your child kick the habit
Difficulty chewing or biting certain foods
Noticed one or two? That doesn't necessarily mean braces. It means it's a good time for an expert to take a look.
"Does My Child Need Braces?"
Not necessarily, and usually not yet.
Early orthodontic care isn't about putting braces on every 8-year-old. After your child's assessment, one of three things usually happens:
1. All clear. Everything is developing as expected. We'll let you know when (or if) to come back.
2. Keep an eye on it. Something is worth watching as your child grows. We'll book occasional check-ins, and if treatment is needed, it will usually start once their adult teeth are through.
3. Early treatment recommended. A small number of problems are best treated while your child is still growing. When that's the case, we'll explain why, what's involved, the timing and the costs before anything begins.
We only recommend early treatment when there's a clear, evidence-based reason for it, which is why many families leave their first visit with a plan to simply monitor.
Read more: When is the best age to get braces?
Been recommended an expander? Palatal expanders are a useful tool for the right child, mainly those with a crossbite. That's only about 1 in 10 kids. If your child has been recommended an expander and you're not sure why, a second opinion from a specialist orthodontist can give you clarity. Read more: Only one in 10 kids need a palatal expander. Is your child one of them?
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. You can book directly with us.
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Age 7 is the recommended time for a first orthodontic check, even with baby teeth still present. Mixed teeth let us see how adult teeth and jaws are developing.
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No. Many children we see simply need monitoring. We only recommend treatment when there's a clear benefit.
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It depends on your child's teeth, jaw growth and bite. Most start once their adult teeth have come through, but a first check at age 7 lets us plan the ideal timing. Read more about timing braces.
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Only if there's a clear reason, most commonly a crossbite, which affects about 1 in 10 children. For crowding alone, research shows expansion has limited long-term benefit. Read our full article on palatal expanders.
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Yes. We can assess whether the habit is affecting your child's teeth or bite, and talk you through practical ways to help them stop. Read our guide to thumb sucking.
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Around 45–60 minutes, including time for your questions.