Braces for kids and early orthodontic treatment

Name: Frankston Orthodontics
Telephone: 03 9783 8577

At Frankston Orthodontics, we offer personalised care for growing smiles - from early intervention to braces, aligners, and orthodontic expanders. Whether your child is ready for treatment now or just needs an expert assessment, our team in south east Melbourne is here to guide you every step of the way.

Braces for kids and early orthodontic treatment

Why early intervention matters

Orthodontic care isn't just for teens and adults - in many cases, early intervention can make a real difference to your child’s long-term dental health. By identifying and guiding jaw and tooth development early on, we can reduce the need for more complex treatment later.

At Frankston Orthodontics, we recommend an initial orthodontic consultation for children by the age of 7. Even if your child doesn't need treatment straight away, an early assessment gives our team the chance to monitor growth and step in at the ideal time.

Signs your child may need orthodontic treatment

Not sure if your child needs to see an orthodontist? Here are some common signs to look out for:

Early or late loss of baby teeth
Crowded, gapped, or crooked teeth
Difficulty chewing or biting
Mouth breathing or snoring
Thumb sucking past age 5
Jaw clicking or shifting when opening/closing
Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all

If you’ve noticed any of these signs - or simply want peace of mind - our friendly team in south east Melbourne is here to help.

Early intervention with palatal expanders (orthodontic expanders)

Palatal expanders are a common part of early orthodontic treatment, used to gently widen the upper jaw in growing children. This creates more space for adult teeth to come through, improves bite alignment, and can help prevent more invasive treatment in the future.

At Frankston Orthodontics, we use custom-designed orthodontic expanders (also called palatal expanders) as part of Phase 1 treatment. This interceptive approach is ideal for guiding jaw growth and addressing developing concerns while your child is still growing - setting them up for a healthier, more balanced smile.

Braces for kids

Today’s braces are more comfortable, efficient, and child-friendly than ever. At Frankston Orthodontics, we offer several options tailored to growing smiles:

SureSmile^® braces: SureSmile braces combine traditional brackets with digital planning and robotic wire technology. They allow for faster, more precise tooth movements - meaning fewer visits and a smoother experience for kids and parents alike.
Metal braces: The classic choice, updated for comfort. Our modern metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than those of the past - and a reliable, cost-effective option for all ages.
Clear ceramic braces: Perfect for kids who want a more subtle look, clear ceramic braces blend in with the natural colour of teeth while delivering the same great results as traditional braces.

Clear aligners for kids

Invisalign^® First is specially designed for growing children. These removable, nearly invisible aligners gently guide developing teeth and jaws into better alignment - all without the need for brackets or wires. They’re ideal for early treatment and great for kids who are motivated to keep their aligners in place.

Invisalign^® First gives your child the freedom to eat, brush, and play with ease - making orthodontic care feel that much simpler.

Let’s set your child up for smile success

Whether you're exploring braces, aligners, or palatal expanders, early orthodontic care can make a lifelong difference. Our experienced team in south east Melbourne is here to help you make the right decision for your child’s smile, comfort, and confidence.

Book your child’s consultation today