How do orthodontists determine if a child needs braces treatment?

Doctor's Answers 1

Hi Yen Wan,

Braces treatment is used for the correction of teeth and jaw malalignment. Not all teeth and jaw malalignment requires treatment. Braces treatment is usually an elective procedure, whereby the choice of undergoing treatment is dependent on the child and parents.

At the first consultation, I would usually ask the child why they want braces treatment, and if there is anything he/she doesn’t like about his/her teeth or face, and whether it is affecting his/her daily function and psychological well-being.

To be objective, I often use the Index of Orthodontic Treatment to assess the severity of the condition. The index uses a grading system to determine the severity of the malalignment; with grades 1 and 2 suggesting mild need for braces treatment, grade 3 for moderate need, and grades 4 and 5 suggesting great need. The index uses a few criteria to achieve the grade.

Most of the time, the child will undergo a physical examination of the face and teeth. However, if there are any delayed or abnormal eruption of permanent teeth, your child may need to go for an x-ray of the teeth to observe the dental development.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be screened by an orthodontist at age 7. So do bring your child in for an assessment by an orthodontist!

Dr Elaine Tan

Consultant, Department of Orthodontics

National Dental Centre Singapore

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox