Helping growing smiles develop in the healthiest way possible.
As children grow, certain oral habits can influence how their teeth and jaws develop. While many habits are a normal part of childhood, some may affect bite development if they continue for an extended period.
At Smileworx Orthodontics, our Specialist Orthodontists take a proactive approach to identifying and managing oral habits early – before they have the opportunity to affect your child’s developing teeth and jaws. Following a thorough assessment, we’ll recommend whether treatment, monitoring or simple habit management is appropriate for your child.
No referral is needed to book an assessment.
Many children develop habits such as thumb sucking, dummy use or tongue thrusting during their early years. In most cases, these habits naturally stop as children grow.
However, if certain habits continue beyond the early years, they may influence the position of the teeth, the development of the jaws or the way the bite comes together.
An early orthodontic assessment allows us to evaluate your child’s growth and provide advice tailored to their individual needs.
If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Duncraig or an orthodontist in Geraldton, our experienced team is here to help.
During your child’s assessment, we may evaluate habits such as:
Tongue thrust is one of the most commonly undiagnosed habits we encounter – our team has found it present in a significant number of children who present for assessment, often without parents or their dentist being aware
Not every habit will require orthodontic treatment. Our role is to understand how these habits may be affecting your child’s developing smile and recommend the most appropriate next steps.
It may be helpful to arrange an orthodontic assessment if you notice your child:
Even if treatment isn’t needed, monitoring your child’s growth can help determine the best time to intervene if required.
We'll begin by talking with you about your child's medical and dental history, any habits you've noticed and any concerns you may have. Your Specialist Orthodontist will carefully examine your child's teeth, bite and jaw development.
If appropriate, we may recommend photographs, digital scans or X-rays to gain a clearer understanding of your child's developing smile. At Smileworx Orthodontics, the Specialist Orthodontist personally reviews diagnostic records before discussing treatment recommendations.
Following the assessment, we'll explain what we've found and discuss whether:
No treatment is currently required
Monitoring is recommended
The habit is affecting development and should be managed
Early orthodontic treatment may be beneficial
If no treatment is needed, we'll simply let you know the best time to review your child's growth again.
Treatment recommendations and suitability for early orthodontic treatment depend on an individual clinical assessment.
Your treatment is planned and provided by registered Specialist Orthodontists who have completed additional training in orthodontics.
No two smiles are the same. Every recommendation is tailored to your individual needs, goals and stage of development.
If treatment isn't needed yet or isn't the right option, we'll tell you. Our priority is helping you make informed decisions without unnecessary pressure.
Your doctor will personally review your X-rays and records before inviting you back to discuss your treatment options.
From your first phone call to your final appointment, our friendly team is here to help you feel comfortable, informed and supported.
Our team offers a thoughtful approach, including flexible appointment scheduling and a quieter treatment environment where appropriate, helping patients and families feel more at ease.
Our experienced team is passionate about creating healthy, functional smiles while making every patient feel welcome and cared for.
Dr Julian Todres leads Smileworx Orthodontics with a patient-first philosophy centred on honest advice, personalised care and specialist treatment planning. As an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at The University of Western Australia (UWA), he is also committed to supporting the education and development of future dental professionals.
"We consider far more than how to straighten teeth. Every treatment plan takes into account the balance of the whole facial structure, your bite, and your long-term oral health - because the goal has always been a healthy smile, not just a straight one."
We understand that orthodontic treatment is an investment in your oral health. Our team will explain your available
payment options and help you understand the costs involved before
treatment begins.
Not necessarily. Many children naturally stop thumb sucking as they grow. During an assessment, we’ll determine whether the habit is affecting your child’s developing teeth or jaws.
Every child develops differently. If dummy use continues beyond the early years, it may be worth arranging an orthodontic assessment to determine whether it’s affecting dental development.
No. Many children simply require monitoring as they grow. If treatment isn’t needed, we’ll explain why and recommend when your child should be reviewed again.
Our caring team is experienced in helping children feel comfortable during appointments. We also provide additional support for neurodiverse patients where appropriate.
No. You can contact Smileworx Orthodontics directly to arrange an assessment.
Tell us a little about how we can help, and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Whether you’re seeking advice for your child or exploring orthodontic treatment for yourself, our friendly team is here to help.
Enquire Online or call your nearest Smileworx Orthodontics practice.
Suites 4–6, 12 Davallia Road Duncraig WA 6023
131 Brand Highway Mt Tarcoola WA 6530
Every child develops at their own pace. An early orthodontic assessment can provide reassurance, answer your questions and help determine whether monitoring or treatment may be beneficial.
Our Specialist Orthodontists are here to provide honest advice and personalised care, so you can make informed decisions about your child’s developing smile.
