It is actually never too early to visit an orthodontist, but if there are no birth defects such as cleft lip and palate, we recommend the first visit to be when the child is around 4 years old. It really first makes sense from the age of 6 when the mixed dentition stage begins. But how do you recognise this stage, what does it actually mean and why do I have to see an orthodontist so early?

Children are divided into different stages of tooth eruption. A) Primary dentition until the age of 6. B) Resting phase from the 8th to the 9th year of life. C) Mixed dentition stage from the age of 9 D) Permanent dentition stage from the age of 12

First mixed dentition phase and resting stage (6-9 years)

From the 6th year of life onwards, one speaks of the 1st mixed dentition phase. In this stage, the so-called 6-year molars erupt right behind the primary teeth as the first permanent tooth. 

As a patient or parent, the beginning of the mixed dentition phase is usually seen a few months later, when the first primary anterior teeth start to wobble. From this point on it makes sense to pay your orthodontist a visit. Orthodontic treatment during this time is only recommended for special orthodontic indication groups (KIG) and usually only an early treatment over 1.5 years is recommended. This only serves to resolve acute problems which could otherwise lead to problems later on.

Resting stage and second mixed dentition stage (9+ years)

After the first primary teeth have fallen out in the 6th-7th year of life, a resting period follows. As soon as the next deciduous tooth starts to wobble, the 2nd mixed dentition stage begins (at about 9 years of age). During this stage of tooth eruption, a visit to the orthodontist makes total sense in order to make sure everything is ok. 

If an orthodontic treatment is necessary, we usually recommend removable braces until all permanent teeth have erupted. This is usually the case at the age of 12. In principle, the time for a complete orthodontic treatment plan is 16 quarters, i.e. 4 years. This is divided into a treatment phase and a retention phase with removable retainers. Since teeth shift for a lifetime (Little et. al), we additionally recommend custom lab-fabricated fixed retainers. These are attached to the lingual (inside) side the anterior teeth in the upper and lower jaw and do not pose a problem for speech nor hygiene due to the complex manufacturing process.

Can I recognise a need for treatment myself?

Although we generally recommend a short, non-binding appointment with BISS45, we have put together some basic guidelines on how to identify the relevant orthodontic indication groups that require treatment. 

It is important to note that early treatment is not intended to straighten all teeth but only to positively influence growth. This is mainly due to the fact that an early treatment is carried out before the 2nd mixed dentition stage. This means before all permanent teeth have erupted and therefore not all permanent teeth can be moved.