When Should Children Have Their First Orthodontic Examination? A Guide for Parents in Bursa
When should children have their first orthodontic examination? A practical guide for families in Bursa, Nilüfer, Balat and Özlüce.
Is your child's smile becoming crowded, are the jaws not meeting comfortably, or are some permanent teeth erupting later than expected? An orthodontic evaluation does not always require waiting until a certain age.
The purpose of an early orthodontic examination is not to start treatment immediately for every child. It is to assess dental development, eruption patterns, jaw relationships and bite, and to decide whether treatment or periodic monitoring is appropriate.
When should a child have a first orthodontic examination?
The first evaluation can be considered when the upper and lower front permanent teeth begin to erupt. Age alone is not the only factor. Growth and development, tooth eruption and bite relationships should be assessed together.
Signs that may require an orthodontic evaluation
- A narrow upper jaw or a crossbite
- A lower jaw that appears noticeably behind or ahead
- Reverse bite, open bite or significant crowding
- Permanent teeth erupting late or in an unusual direction
- Mouth breathing, difficulty closing the lips or chewing difficulties
- Persistent thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use
What is assessed during the examination?
The assessment may include tooth alignment, jaw relationships, bite, eruption status and growth patterns. When clinically indicated, photographs, radiographs or digital intraoral scans may support the evaluation.
The result may be treatment, periodic monitoring or referral for another dental assessment. The decision is individualized for each child.
For families in Bursa, Nilüfer and Balat
Families living in Bursa Nilüfer and the Balat, Özlüce and Bademli areas can begin with a comprehensive assessment of their child's dental and jaw development. The clinic is located in Ahmet Yesevi, Nilüfer.
Learn more about children's orthodontics and functional and jaw development treatments.
Frequently asked questions
Does treatment start at the first examination?
Not necessarily. Monitoring may be sufficient, depending on the child's development.
Can a child be examined before all permanent teeth erupt?
Yes. Early assessment can help determine the right time for monitoring or treatment.
Conclusion
There is no single correct age or treatment time for every child. An individualized orthodontic evaluation helps families understand development and plan the right approach at the right time.
Last updated: October 12, 2026.
Information and Contact for Children’s Orthodontics in Bursa
This article was prepared by Dr. Dt. Ebru Çetinkaya Tokmak for general information about children’s dental and jaw development.
For information about braces in Bursa, see the orthodontic treatment page. The clinic is located in Ahmet Yesevi, Nilüfer. For appointments and directions, visit the contact page or call 0 224 666 00 00.
This content is for general information only. Diagnosis and treatment planning are determined individually after an orthodontic examination.