What Is an Orthodontist? (In Plain English)

An orthodontist is a dentist who specialises in straightening teeth and correcting bite problems; using braces, plates, or clear aligners depending on the case. For kids, this often starts with simply keeping an eye on how their teeth and jaw are developing. Treatment itself, if it's needed at all, usually comes later. At Surry Hills Dental Centre, we handle this as part of general family dental care, so there's no extra referral to chase for an initial check.

Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Treatment

You don't need me to point these out first; most parents notice them at home:

●       Crowded or overlapping teeth, especially as adult teeth start coming through

●       A visible overbite or underbite; front teeth sitting noticeably in front of or behind the lower ones

●       Trouble biting or chewing, or teeth that don't meet evenly when your child closes their mouth

●       Baby teeth falling out too early or too late compared to the usual age range

●       Thumb-sucking or dummy use past age 4–5, which can affect how the jaw and teeth develop

●       Mouth breathing or speech issues that seem tied to how the teeth or jaw sit

●       A bite that looks off-centre when your child's teeth come together

Spotting one or two of these doesn't automatically mean braces are coming; but it's a good enough reason to get it checked rather than wait and see.

What Age Should Kids First See an Orthodontist?

The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends a first check by age 7. At that age, most kids have a mix of baby and adult teeth, which gives me enough to work with to spot jaw growth issues or crowding early; even if actual treatment doesn't start for a few more years.

An early visit doesn't mean treatment starts straight away. More often than not, it just means I'll keep an eye on things for a year or two.

Early Treatment or Wait It Out?

Early treatment (roughly ages 7–10) is usually about guiding jaw growth or creating room for adult teeth, often using something like a palate expander, sometimes with partial braces, rather than full braces.

Waiting until the early teens (roughly ages 11–14) works fine for a lot of kids, especially when the main issue is just crowding rather than anything to do with jaw growth. By then, most adult teeth are through, so I can plan around their final positions.

Which route makes sense really depends on what's going on with your child specifically; which is exactly why an early check-up is worth doing even if nothing happens for years.

Braces or Invisalign for Kids and Teens?

Our approach to orthodontics for kids depends on the bite issue, your child’s age, and how their teeth and jaw are developing. Both are options once a child is ready for active treatment:

●       Traditional braces are still the most common choice, especially when significant movement or bite correction is needed.

●       Invisalign for teens works well for older kids and teenagers who can be trusted to wear and look after removable aligners; a less visible alternative to metal braces.

I'll usually steer families toward whichever fits the bite issue, the child's age, and honestly, how responsible they are about looking after aligners day to day.

If you’re looking into treatment for yourself as well, you can also read our guide to adult orthodontic treatment in Surry Hills.

What Does It Cost?

Cost depends on the type of treatment and how long it runs. At Surry Hills Dental Centre, our Invisalign tiers currently range from $4,500 (Express) up to $9,800 (Comprehensive), depending on how much movement is needed; the same tiers apply whether the patient is a teenager or an adult. Traditional braces typically run $6,000 to $9,000. We also offer an interest-free payment plan, with a deposit upfront and installments roughly every 6–8 weeks.

Prices reflect current fees as published in our full pricing breakdown and are subject to change based on individual assessment.

Serving Families in Surry Hills, Waterloo, Darlinghurst & Redfern

We treat families across Surry Hills, Redfern, Darlinghurst, and Waterloo, with orthodontic treatment here handled by me alongside the rest of our team. We're at 616 Crown St, Surry Hills; within walking distance of Central Station, which makes appointments easy to fit around school pick-ups or a parent's workday, no matter which of these suburbs you're coming from.

Parents have told us they appreciate how thorough we are; one recent review specifically called out our “high quality care.” We're a certified Invisalign provider and a fully accredited dental practice, so your child's treatment plan follows current clinical guidelines rather than guesswork.

Book Your Child's Check-Up

If any of the signs above sound familiar, or your child's approaching age 7, an early check gives you a clear answer on what; if anything; needs watching or treating.

Book a Children's Orthodontic Consultation

Or give us a call directly on 02 9319 7244.

If you're weighing up Invisalign for an older child or teenager, our guide on How Long Does Invisalign Take? breaks down what affects treatment timelines.