Straightening Smiles and Supporting Healthy Development
If you’ve noticed that your child’s permanent teeth are coming in crooked or crowded, you might be wondering if now is the right time to seek orthodontic advice. At Gisborne Family Dental, our experienced team offers early orthodontic treatment to help guide your child’s dental development and avoid bigger problems down the track.
We provide customised orthodontic care for children of all ages, including orthopaedic plates and braces, so your child can enjoy a healthy, confident smile as they grow.
Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Matters
Crooked teeth and jaw underdevelopment often begin early. Some common causes include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Early childhood health issues
- Poor oral habits like mouth breathing or thumb sucking
- Limited space in the jaw for new teeth
In many cases, mild crowding or crooked teeth might not cause immediate problems. However, if left untreated, these issues can progress and lead to:
- Misalignment of the upper and lower jaws
- Jaw pain or discomfort
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Uneven wear and tear of teeth
Early orthodontic screening can make a big difference. We recommend parents bring their child for an orthodontic consultation once adult teeth start to come through, usually around 7 to 9 years of age. Early assessment allows us to monitor your child’s growth and recommend the right treatment at the right time.
Our Approach to Children’s Orthodontics
At Gisborne Family Dental, we believe in a proactive, gentle approach to orthodontic care. We focus on:
- Identifying signs of jaw underdevelopment or crowding early
- Using non-invasive treatments like plates when growth potential can still be guided
- Minimising the need for removing healthy adult teeth
- Supporting your child’s overall health, not just straight teeth
We understand that many parents may have had braces or teeth removed as teenagers and want a better, less invasive outcome for their children. Our team aims to provide that by starting early and working with your child’s natural development.
Children’s dental services we offer
At Gisborne Family Dental, we offer a wide range of gentle, child-friendly dental services, including:
- First dental visits and oral health education
- Routine check-ups and professional cleans
- Fissure seals and fillings
- Oral hygiene instruction and habit coaching
- Support for anxious or nervous children
- Emergency dental care for children
Whether it’s their first visit or ongoing care, our goal is to make every appointment positive, relaxed and supportive
How we make dental visits positive for kids
Every child is different, so we tailor our approach to suit their needs. Here’s how we help children feel safe, confident and in control during their dental visits:
Talk Together
We start by having a friendly chat with your child. We don’t just talk about teeth but also about their favourite toys, cartoons or hobbies. This helps build trust and puts them at ease.
Explore & Get Comfortable
Before any treatment begins, we gently introduce your child to the dental chair, mirror and tools. They can look around, ask questions and take their time.
Small Steps, Big Support
We explain each step of the visit in simple, child-friendly language. Whether it’s a check-up or a clean, we always stop if your child needs a break.
Encourage Confidence
We celebrate bravery and progress. Whether it’s opening their mouth for the first time or sitting calmly in the chair, we make sure your child leaves feeling proud.
Our aim is to help your child feel positive about visiting the dentist and confident in caring for their smile.
Are you looking for an experienced children’s dentist in Gisborne?
Our children’s dentists will put you and your family first. We make sure you’re well looked after and your kids enjoy their experience at Gisborne Family Dental.
It’s never too early to begin teaching your little ones correct oral hygiene. From when their first teeth start to come through as babies, we encourage you to help your kids brush and floss their teeth, all while making it fun.
We can help your whole family achieve the smile you want.
FAQs
We recommend bringing your child for their first dental visit around 18 months of age, or when their first teeth appear.
Yes. Baby teeth help your child chew, speak and smile confidently. They also guide adult teeth into the correct position. Early loss of baby teeth can lead to long-term dental issues.
We understand that some children feel anxious. Our team is experienced in supporting nervous kids and will take time to build trust, explain each step and go at your child’s pace.
Talk to your child positively about the dentist. Explain that the dentist will help keep their teeth strong and healthy. Avoid using words like “hurt” or “pain.”
We can bulk bill eligible children under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). Please contact our team to check your child’s eligibility. We also offer payment plan options available to make family dental care more accessible.
We offer same-day emergency dental appointments for children wherever possible. If your child has a toothache, injury or dental accident, contact us immediately.
Diet plays a big role in your child’s dental health. Limit sugary snacks and drinks like lollies, juice and soft drinks. Encourage healthy foods like vegetables, fruit, cheese and lean meats to support strong teeth.
Start early and make it fun. Use a small, soft toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Encourage your child to brush twice a day, and supervise until they can brush well on their own. Our team is happy to demonstrate the correct brushing technique during your child’s visit and as part of their ongoing general dental care.
