There’s a common misconception that young children—whose bodies and bones are still growing—should wait to start orthodontic treatment. However, waiting can let any existing problems get bigger and bigger, becoming costly and harder to fix.
World-leading organisations, like the American Association of Orthodontics and European Society of Orthodontists, recommend that all kids by the age of 7 should be seen for orthodontic assessment. When teeth are forming during these early years, prevention is key. Pediatric orthodontics can intercept emerging teeth and bite problems, and stop them from causing issues with alignment later on.
Proactive orthodontic care can lead to several advantages, for both you and your child. For kids under 13 years, this means possibly avoiding jaw pain and extractions later in life. Early intervention can contribute to the following benefits:
At your first visit, a specialist will assess alignment, bite issues, and any potential for overcrowding as adult teeth come in. The imaging and impression process is non-invasive and the records will periodically be updated and compared to check for adverse effects to the mouth.
At the age of 7, most children do not require full orthodontic services, but should regularly receive check-ups to monitor changes and growth patterns. In some cases, kids around the age of 10 may be recommended orthodontic treatment plans to begin adjusting the positioning of their adult teeth. Following the examination they will discuss any concerns, encourage oral health maintenance, and introduce orthodontic solutions that may help your child.
Functional orthodontic services guide teeth and jaw growth in children through removable or fixed appliances. These devices are not only tailored to fit a child’s bite and palate, but can often be any colour or pattern the child prefers — encouraging proper maintenance and a successful treatment.
Functional appliances can help with expansion and distillisation to create more space for growing teeth. While some overcrowding may require tooth extraction, orthodontic appliances can guide jaw growth and prevent potential misalignment of a child’s adult teeth.
Myofunctional orthodontics, also known as myofunctional therapy corrects muscle function and coordination through exercises. While facial exercises can help young children minimise the pain and discomfort of their growing teeth, conventional orthodontics solutions, like braces and aligners, can help correct problems through disciplined compliance and regular adjustment.
Early treatment is designed to intercept and correct issues before they become more complex. While some treatments are inappropriate for children between the ages of 7 and 10, an orthodontic consultation can determine when and what the next right step is.
You can help your child avoid invasive orthodontic work late by watching for signs your child may need treatment:
Some of these problems can have significant consequences if left unaddressed. If you notice any of the above or suspect a problem, please bring your child into our practice for a free consultation with one of our experts in orthodontic care.
Contact Shakespeare Orthodontics today for a FREE specialist orthodontist consultation.
In 2008, Adriana graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Santa Maria University in Caracas, Venezuela. After graduation, she worked in Venezuela in private practice, at the Orthopaedic Children’s Hospital (Dentistry/Orthodontics unit), and as a lecturer in the National Experimental University of the Armed Forces.
In the year 2011, Adriana moved to Argentina to specialise, gaining the Specialist Orthodontist degree from the University of Buenos Aires in 2013. While in Argentina, she worked as a part-time lecturer at the Orthodontics Department in the University of Buenos Aires, private practice, and at the Craniofacial Unit in the Paediatric Hospital Garrahan, looking after cleft lip new-born, children, and adolescent patients.
Adriana is a Spanish speaker. On her spare time she likes going to the beach, travelling, socialising with friends, playing video games, cooking, and going to the gym.
BDS | DClinDent | MRACDS-Orth | MOrthRCSEd
Dr Azza Al-Ani, grew up in Christchurch, is a registered specialist orthodontist working at Shakespeare Orthodontics in Auckland. You can find her at one of the clinics in the city, or at their Takapuna clinic on the North Shore.
In 2009, Azza graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Credit from the University of Otago.
She worked as a dental house surgeon at Auckland, Greenlane and Middlemore Hospitals; and as a dental officer at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital.
In 2012, she completed the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) primary examinations.
Before commencing her specialist training, she held a part-time Professional Practice Fellow position at the Faculty of Dentistry, while working as a dentist in private practice.
In 2016, Azza graduated from the University of Otago with a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Orthodontics. She passed examinations to gain memberships into the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
She is also certified with the Australasian Orthodontic Board, and is a member of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, and the New Zealand Dental Association.
Azza’s area of research interest is hypodontia.
She has presented about this topic at the European Orthodontic Society Congress, and at the International Association Dental Research ANZ Scientific Meeting, and has been involved in the publication of numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals.
Outside of work, Azza loves spending time with her son and Mo (her husband), socialising with family and friends, overseas travel, and tries to keep up with Mo mountain biking.
Mo is a Specialist Orthodontist. He grew up in both New Zealand and Australia.
After completing a year in Health Sciences, and later physiotherapy, he qualified as a dentist in New Zealand. He spent the next four years working alongside his father in Sydney where he practised general dentistry. Mo then returned to Dunedin to specialise, gaining his specialist degree – Clinical Doctorate in Orthodontics from the University of Otago.
During the three years of specialist training, Mo had the privilege of learning from the best. The combined clinical and academic acumen of professors, doctors and staff provided an invaluable experience.
Meanwhile, Mo published and presented significant research and clinical cases at both national and international forums, including the International Association of Dental Research, the Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontics, the European Orthodontic Society and the New Zealand Dental Association conference.
A firm believer in maintaining high clinical standards, Mo successfully completed further examinations to become affiliated with the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) and the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (Sydney).
Mo is currently a part time senior lecturer at Auckland University of Technology, a Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists and also holds professional memberships with the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, the New Zealand Dental Association and American Association of Orthodontists.
He has also been involved in the supervising and lecturing of students at the Auckland University of Technology.
Outside of work, Mo enjoys the precious time with his young family and the outdoors. He especially loves mountain biking, running, fishing, diving and, in winter, snowboarding.
Traveling along with his best friend and wife (Azza) around the world has also been a big part of Mo’s life. Mo is primarily based in Shakespeare Orthodontic’s city clinics and on the North Shore.
