Kids & Teens
Orthodontic Referrals
Assessment and Referral for Alignment Concerns
Tooth alignment and jaw development can play an important role in both oral health and function.
At Junction Village Dental, we provide orthodontic assessment and, where appropriate, referral to experienced orthodontic providers for further evaluation and treatment planning.
Our role is to identify concerns early and guide families through the next steps.
When Is an Orthodontic Assessment Recommended?
An orthodontic review may be appropriate if you or your child has:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Bite concerns (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
- Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
- Jaw development concerns
Orthodontic evaluation is often recommended during childhood and early adolescence, though adults may also seek assessment.
Early Orthodontic Assessment
At every routine check-up, your clinician includes a basic orthodontic assessment as part of your child’s overall dental examination.
This allows us to:
- Monitor jaw growth and development
- Assess spacing and crowding
- Identify developing bite concerns
- Determine whether early referral or further monitoring may be appropriate
In many cases, no immediate treatment is required, and regular review is all that is needed. Early identification simply allows us to guide families appropriately if concerns arise over time.
Our Referral Process
If orthodontic treatment is recommended and the family wishes to seek further assessment, we provide referral pathways to trusted orthodontic specialists.
As part of the referral process, we may take appropriate diagnostic records at your visit to assist the orthodontist in their assessment. This can include:
- An OPG (panoramic x-ray), which provides a full view of the teeth and jaws
- A lateral cephalometric x-ray (side-view x-ray), which assists in assessing jaw relationships and growth patterns
These images are forwarded to the orthodontist to support comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning.
We work collaboratively to ensure:
- Clear communication between providers
- Coordinated care
- Ongoing general dental support during orthodontic treatment
Throughout the orthodontic process, we remain involved in preventative care and maintenance to help support long-term oral health.
Orthodontics and Ongoing Dental Care
Even when undergoing orthodontic treatment, regular dental check-ups and hygiene appointments remain important.
We support patients by:
- Monitoring oral hygiene
- Providing professional cleaning
- Assessing gum health
- Supporting fluoride and preventative care
Maintaining good oral health during orthodontic treatment is essential.
Is Referral Always Required?
In some cases, mild alignment concerns may be managed with alternative treatment options. We will discuss all appropriate pathways during consultation.
Where specialist orthodontic care is required, referral ensures patients receive comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning.
Book an Assessment
If you have concerns about tooth alignment or jaw development, we welcome you to book an assessment appointment. Early evaluation allows us to monitor development and guide appropriate referral if needed.
