Thinking about straightening your kid’s teeth? Think Invisalign Teen.
Learn more →
Wed–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Book an Appointment
This page is provided for educational purposes only, to help patients understand traditional braces and orthodontic treatment options. While we are happy to provide an orthodontic assessment and discuss the most suitable approach for your smile, our practice now focuses exclusively on clear aligner treatments.
Kids orthodontic providers
Orthodontic treatment such as braces is traditionally performed once most or all adult teeth have erupted. In some cases, however, early assessment during childhood can help identify potential issues. At The Smile Designer Dental Studio, we are happy to provide an orthodontic assessment for your child and guide you through the most suitable options for their smile — our practice focuses on clear aligner treatments, and we can discuss whether this approach may be appropriate based on your child’s age, development and orthodontic needs. Sometimes, the best approach is simply to monitor your child’s development and wait until they are a little older before starting treatment.
There are risks and benefits to all treatments. The content posted on our website does not constitute medical advice. Risks, results, complication and recovery times will vary between individuals. For specific treatment risks, please visit our treatment risks page.
1
When do we start early intervention?
It is recommended that children start getting an orthodontic opinion between the ages of six and eight — when their first adult front teeth and back first molar tooth start to come through. These early assessments allow us to identify if your child has crowded or misaligned teeth, speech problems, or if habits such as thumb sucking are affecting their developing jaws. For most patients, treatment may be simply waiting until they are older and all their adult teeth come through before starting kids orthodontic treatment.
2
Cost of orthodontics for kids
Because there are so many complete orthodontics and dental care options available for each child, at your initial consultation our team will put together a treatment plan catered specifically for you. Our team focuses solely on clear aligner orthodontic solutions, and we can coordinate a referral within our trusted network for treatments such as fixed braces.
3
Insurance for kids & payment plans
Interest-free financing options are available, spread over the term of your treatment — repayments are split into more affordable monthly payments to reduce initial upfront costs. If you have health insurance that covers orthodontics for kids, we can guide you through establishing the best possible payment schedule to maximise your benefits. We accept all health insurances, and offer on-the-spot claiming for most funds with our HICAPS terminals.
Functional appliances commonly used
Some growing kids require early intervention orthodontics during their growing years to treat severe Class II or pseudo Class III cases — kids with an increased or reversed overjet, bucked teeth, or a small lower jaw. Utilising growth modification techniques on certain cases, we can help reduce or alleviate the need for future dental extractions or jaw surgery. All early intervention orthodontic treatment will require future orthodontics once all the adult teeth have come through.
Twin Block therapy
A Twin Block is a removable appliance made in 2 parts, which permits normal mouth movement and eating. It is designed to help improve the size and width of the upper arch, while projecting the lower jaw forwards at the same time. Best used during the growing years, typically around 9–12 years of age, and normally utilised for a period of 12–18 months — followed by full fixed braces when older.
Expansion appliances
Commonly used to create space and increase the arch width of the upper jaw during the growing years of younger kids and teenagers. This orthopaedic expansion of the jaw is activated by turning a screw in the middle of the plate once or twice a day as directed by your dentist.
Removable appliances
Used in growing kids when minor tooth movements are required — for orthodontic problems such as crossbites or teeth that are blocked out. Can help with arch width expansion as well.
Space maintainers
If your child has prematurely lost a baby tooth, teeth on either side of the gap can move and cause future complications. Space maintainers prevent tooth movement into these spaces — simple, robust appliances made in conjunction with orthodontic laboratories. They maintain space for the permanent tooth, facilitate normal eruption, and preserve bite alignment. Removable versions (acrylic, for older children) and fixed versions (cemented, for younger children) are available.
EARLY ORTHODONTICS — SETTING THE FOUNDATION FOR A LIFELONG SMILE
Preventative approach
Early evaluations allow us to identify and address dental issues before they become more complex, often reducing the need for extensive treatments in the future.
Optimal growth
Guiding your child’s dental development at a young age can help achieve a harmonious and well-aligned smile as they grow.
Improved oral health
Correcting issues such as misaligned teeth or improper bite early can contribute to better oral hygiene and overall dental health.
FAQ’s about kids orthodontics
Do I need a dental check up before starting orthodontics?+
Yes, a dental check up and teeth cleaning are essential prior to starting orthodontics, and this needs to be maintained during orthodontic treatment as well. We recommend six monthly dental hygiene visits to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
Will the treatment hurt?+
It is normal for teeth to be tender. This will last for a few days. The intensity and duration of this discomfort will vary with each patient. Painkillers may need to be taken to relieve any discomfort — see your pharmacist for the medication that would suit you. Teeth can feel “tight” after an adjustment but it is usually mild and disappears quickly. The cheeks and lips also need time to become accustomed to braces or other appliances; a “settling in” period is normal.
What food can my child eat?+
If you eat hard and/or sticky foods, wires can bend or break and brackets and bands can come loose. Sweets and lollies are usually hard and should not be eaten — minties, toffees, boiled lollies, hard chocolate, ice blocks, hard biscuits and nuts will all damage braces. On special occasions, choose a softer alternative such as cake, a soft-centred chocolate or ice cream. Most bread, meat, fruit and vegetables are fine; hard or crisp foods such as apples and raw carrots should be sliced or shredded before eating, meat cut off bones, and corn off the cob.
Will teeth need to be removed?+
Our goal is to place the teeth in the ideal aesthetic position that is best for your smile and suits your face. In some cases, it is necessary to remove teeth as part of orthodontic treatment. We carry out meticulous planning, the decision to extract any teeth is not taken lightly, and you will be involved in the planning phase while we go through all the possible options available.
How long does Phase 1 orthodontics take?+
Every individual is different and early intervention orthodontics can range from 6 up to 18 months. This will depend on the type of appliance used and the treatment goal and outcome desired. All information will be provided at your initial consultation.
What are the benefits of orthodontics?+
Our aim is to create better functionality of your teeth — there is an increased ability to clean teeth due to less crowding, and teeth that are protruded are at lower risk of injury once they are straightened.
What are signs that early intervention may be needed?+
If you notice general crowding or overlapping of teeth, or the midlines and centres of the teeth do not line up, orthodontics may be required. Some people have spacing, deep bites, underbites and open bites — all these cause teeth to not fit in their proper position, and can lead to difficulty chewing and long-term dental wear. Habits such as finger or thumb sucking that continue after six or seven years old can cause dental related problems.
What is Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatment?+
Phase 1 is orthodontics starting at an early age, before all the adult teeth have erupted into position. Treatment can start from 8 years of age, and can help in the correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, and certain habits. Phase 2 treatment is done at an older age once all adult teeth have come through — typically around 12–15 years old for girls and 13–16 years of age for boys.
Can kids play sports during treatment?+
Yes, it is ok to continue playing sports. We would recommend using a mouthguard. If your child has a removable appliance, this can be removed during sports.
Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?+
In most cases, braces do not affect musical abilities. There will be a period of adjustment required, but most of our patients have not noticed a huge impact.
What is dental overcrowding and how can it be treated?+
Dental overcrowding is a condition in which there is insufficient space in the mouth to accommodate all the teeth properly — it can occur due to genetics, inadequate jaw size, or the presence of extra teeth, and can lead to misalignment, bite problems, and aesthetic concerns. Treatment typically involves orthodontic intervention and may include braces, orthodontic appliances (palatal expanders, space maintainers), strategic tooth extractions in more severe cases, Invisalign or clear aligners for mild to moderate cases, retainers after treatment, or surgical orthodontics in extreme cases with severe jaw discrepancies. A kids orthodontic consultation is essential to determine the most suitable treatment plan.
Where is your dental clinic located?+
We are located in Melbourne at 118-120 High Street, Thornbury. We are on the border of Thornbury and South Preston, close to Bell Street, and just a stones throw away from surrounding suburbs like Northcote, Brunswick, Preston and Heidelberg.
Do you offer children’s orthodontics near me?+
Yes. Our High Street studio provides children’s orthodontic care for families across Preston and the surrounding suburbs, including Thornbury, Northcote, Reservoir, Coburg, Bundoora and Heidelberg. Free parking is available out the front, and Bell Station is a short walk away.
New patient exam & clean — $295
Comprehensive exam · OPG X-rays & photos · scale & polish · fluoride · oral cancer screening — valued over $475, T&C's apply
View the offer
18+ years
caring for the Preston community with gentle, modern dentistry
AHPRA
registered, experienced clinicians across general & cosmetic dentistry
Payment plans
flexible options available, with all health funds welcome
The clinicians behind your smile
Meet the team →Dedicated professionals for your smile — gentle, highly qualified clinicians in a studio designed to feel comfortable and welcoming.
→
Swipe to meet more of the team
From the journal
Honest advice from our chair to yours — guides written by our own clinicians.
All articles →
THE SMILE JOURNAL
A little smile wisdom for your inbox
Enter your email and we'll send you the latest edition of The Smile Journal — honest dental advice, studio news and gentle reminders to look after your smile.
Send me the Journal
One email each quarter · unsubscribe anytime · we never share your details.
ENQUIRIES
Ask us anything
Curious about a treatment? Wondering about fees or health fund cover? Send us a note and our front desk team will reply within one business day — no obligation, ever.
Prefer to talk? Call 03 9089 7574 — we're happy to chat.
I'm interested in…▾
Send enquiry
Your enquiry goes straight to our studio inbox and is never shared.
Google Map embed — 118-120 High Street, Preston
Visit us on High Street, Preston
Hours
Mon–Tue 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMWed–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
The Smile Designer
Cosmetic, general, orthodontic and implant dentistry for Melbourne's north.
SERVICING AREASBrunswick·Bundoora·Coburg·Epping·Essendon·Fawkner·Glenroy·Heidelberg·Ivanhoe·Keilor East·Lalor·Mill Park·Moonee Ponds·Niddrie·Northcote·Pascoe Vale·Preston·Reservoir·South Morang·Thornbury
All photos displayed are cases performed by Dr Dev Boparoy or his team at The Smile Designer Dental Studio. All dental procedures carry individual risks and benefits. Individual results can vary. You have the right to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. © 2026 The Smile Designer.