Not every crooked baby tooth needs treating, and not every problem should wait. The value of an early assessment is knowing which situation you are in.
What early treatment can address
Some problems are easier to correct while a child is still growing, because the jaws themselves can be guided.
- Crossbite and narrow upper jaw.
- Crowding severe enough that permanent teeth have nowhere to erupt.
- Habits affecting jaw development, such as prolonged thumb sucking or mouth breathing.
- Missing or impacted permanent teeth found on X-ray.
Other things – mild spacing in baby teeth, for instance – commonly resolve on their own. Treating them achieves nothing except cost and appointments.
When to have the first assessment
An orthodontic screening around age 7 to 9 is generally useful, because the first permanent teeth are in place and the jaw relationship can be judged. Earlier if you notice a crossbite, difficulty chewing, or a marked asymmetry.
An assessment is not a commitment to treatment. Often the recommendation is to monitor and reassess in a year.
For families visiting or relocating
We can carry out an assessment and provide a written report and records that an orthodontist in your home country can work from, which is often the practical option for a child who is not staying in Korea.
Everything is explained to both parent and child in English.
We give you a written treatment plan and a cost estimate before anything begins, so you know the total before you commit. If the plan changes after we see your CT scan, we tell you why and what it changes before we proceed.
Frequently asked questions
Is my child too young for braces?
Possibly, and that is a legitimate answer. Some conditions benefit from early intervention; many are better treated once more permanent teeth have erupted. An assessment tells you which.
Will early treatment mean no braces later?
Not usually. Early treatment often makes later treatment simpler or shorter rather than unnecessary. We will not tell you otherwise to secure treatment.
Do you treat children in English?
Yes – explanations to both the child and the parent, plus written instructions in English.
Related treatments
Ask us before you travel
Send a recent X-ray or a clear photo and tell us what is bothering you. We will reply in English with what the treatment involves, how many visits it needs, and how long to stay in Korea.
Email Us in English