When parents think about their child’s teeth, genetics is often the first thing that comes to mind.

And genetics certainly plays a major role in how the teeth, jaws and bite develop.

However, there are also a number of everyday habits that can influence dental development during childhood. The good news is that many of these habits are things parents can recognise and manage early if needed.

Most are nothing to worry about. In fact, many are completely normal parts of childhood.

The key is simply understanding which habits may affect development if they continue for too long.

Thumb Sucking and Dummy Use

Thumb sucking and dummy use are among the most common childhood habits.

In the early years, these behaviours are usually completely normal and rarely cause concern.

The issue tends to arise when the habit continues as adult teeth begin to emerge.

Prolonged thumb sucking or dummy use may contribute to:

• Changes in the position of the front teeth
• Bite problems
• Altered jaw development

It’s important not to panic if your child sucks their thumb or uses a dummy. Most children naturally outgrow these habits.

The goal is simply to encourage them to move on from them as they get older.

Long-Term Bottle Use

Another habit worth paying attention to is prolonged bottle feeding.

Once children are developmentally ready to transition to a cup, continuing bottle use for an extended period may contribute to dental and bite-related concerns.

It can also increase the risk of tooth decay, particularly if children regularly fall asleep with a bottle.

Transitioning to a cup at an appropriate age is a simple step that supports healthy dental development.

Mouth Breathing

Of all the habits I discuss with parents, mouth breathing is one of the most important.

Children who consistently breathe through their mouth rather than their nose may develop different patterns of facial and jaw growth.

Signs of mouth breathing can include:

• Sleeping with the mouth open
• Snoring
• Dry lips
• Restless sleep
• Sitting with the mouth open at rest

Mouth breathing is often related to issues such as allergies, enlarged tonsils, enlarged adenoids or chronic nasal congestion.

Because these factors can influence growth over time, it’s worth seeking advice if you notice persistent mouth breathing.

Diet Matters Too

One habit that often gets overlooked is chewing.

For most of human history, children ate foods that required significant chewing.

Today, many foods are softer and more processed, which means growing jaws may receive less stimulation than they once did.

Encouraging children to eat a balanced diet that includes foods requiring regular chewing may help support healthy jaw development.

Examples include:

• Fresh fruits
• Raw vegetables
• Lean meats
• Nuts (when age appropriate and safe)

These foods don’t replace orthodontic treatment when it’s needed, but they do encourage normal jaw function.

Small Habits Can Add Up

Parents occasionally ask about habits such as:

• Nail biting
• Chewing pens or pencils
• Lip biting
• Resting the chin on a hand

These habits are generally less significant than thumb sucking or mouth breathing.

However, when repetitive habits continue over many years, they can sometimes place pressure on the teeth and jaws.

The important thing is awareness, not worry.

Most Children Develop Normally

One of the most reassuring things I can tell parents is that most children develop healthy smiles despite a few childhood habits along the way.

The purpose of understanding these habits isn’t to create anxiety.

It’s simply to recognise factors that may influence growth so that concerns can be addressed early if necessary.

Orthodontic Assessments in Thirroul

At South Coast Orthodontics, we regularly help families from Corrimal to Thirroul and throughout the northern Illawarra better understand how their child’s teeth and jaws are developing.

Often, a simple assessment provides reassurance that everything is progressing normally.

Other times, it helps identify a habit or developmental issue that may benefit from early attention.

Because when it comes to growing smiles, small habits can sometimes make a bigger difference than many parents realise, and understanding them is one of the simplest ways to support healthy development.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Kamal Ahmed

When people think about orthodontic treatment, they usually think about braces or Invisalign®.

They’re the visible part of the process. They’re what move the teeth and create the new smile.

But if you asked me what plays the biggest role in keeping that result long-term, my answer would often be something much less exciting:

Your retainer.

In fact, retainers are one of the most important parts of orthodontic treatment, because they’re responsible for protecting everything you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Teeth Naturally Want to Move

One of the biggest misconceptions in orthodontics is that once teeth are straight, they’ll stay that way forever.

Unfortunately, that’s not how teeth work.

Even after treatment is completed, teeth remain influenced by:

• The tongue
• The lips and cheeks
• Everyday chewing forces
• Natural ageing
• Ongoing facial growth

Teeth are constantly responding to these pressures throughout life.

Without retention, they often begin to drift.

Why Teeth Move After Braces or Invisalign®

When teeth are moved during orthodontic treatment, the surrounding bone and tissues need time to adapt to their new positions.

Even after braces are removed or Invisalign treatment finishes, there can still be a natural tendency for teeth to move back towards where they started.

Orthodontists call this relapse.

It’s completely normal and one of the main reasons retainers are so important.

What Does a Retainer Do?

A retainer helps hold the teeth in their new positions while the surrounding tissues stabilise.

It also helps resist the natural forces that encourage teeth to shift over time.

Think of orthodontic treatment as creating the result and retention as protecting it.

Without retainers, even beautifully aligned teeth can gradually become crowded or misaligned again.

Types of Retainers

There are two main types of retainers.

Removable Retainers

These are usually clear retainers worn according to your orthodontist’s instructions.

They are:

• Comfortable
• Discreet
• Easy to remove for eating and cleaning

The main challenge is remembering to wear them consistently.

Fixed Retainers

A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind the teeth, most commonly on the lower front teeth.

Because it stays in place, it provides continuous support without relying on memory or routine.

Many patients benefit from a combination of both removable and fixed retainers.

Retention Is Not a Short-Term Phase

One of the most important things I explain to patients is that retention isn’t a brief stage that ends after a few months.

The forces that move teeth never disappear.

That’s why long-term retainer wear is often recommended to maintain the result.

I often tell patients that braces and Invisalign straighten teeth, but retainers are what keep them straight.

Simple Habits That Protect Your Smile

Looking after your retainer doesn’t require much effort, but it does require consistency.

I encourage patients to:

• Wear retainers exactly as instructed
• Keep removable retainers clean
• Attend review appointments
• Replace damaged retainers promptly
• Contact us if a retainer becomes loose or no longer fits

These small habits can make an enormous difference over the years.

Retainer Care and Orthodontics

At South Coast Orthodontics, we regularly remind our patients from Corrimal to Dapto and throughout the Illawarra that retention is every bit as important as treatment itself.

Creating a beautiful smile takes time, commitment and careful planning.

Protecting that smile is much simpler, but just as important.

Because while braces and Invisalign may get most of the attention, retainers are often the unsung heroes of successful orthodontic treatment.

And in many cases, they’re the reason a great result stays a great result for years to come.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Kamal Ahmed

One of the most common questions parents ask me is:

“If my child needs orthodontic treatment, is it better to start early?”

The answer is sometimes yes—but not always.

For certain children, early orthodontic treatment can help prevent more significant problems from developing later. For others, the best approach is simply to monitor growth and wait until the timing is right.

That’s why one of the most important decisions in orthodontics isn’t just what treatment to provide—it’s when to provide it.

Why Timing Matters

One of the advantages of seeing children early is that their jaws are still growing.

While growth is occurring, orthodontists can sometimes guide jaw development and address certain problems more effectively than we can once growth has finished.

This doesn’t mean every child needs early treatment.

It simply means that childhood provides a unique window of opportunity when growth can be used to our advantage.

What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment, sometimes called interceptive orthodontics, is treatment that takes place while a child still has a mixture of baby teeth and adult teeth.

The goal is usually not to create a perfect smile immediately.

Instead, early treatment focuses on guiding growth and reducing the severity of potential future problems.

Which Problems May Benefit From Early Treatment?

There are certain situations where early intervention can be particularly valuable.

These may include:

• Crossbites
• Significant crowding
• Insufficient space for incoming adult teeth
• Certain jaw growth discrepancies
• Prolonged thumb-sucking habits affecting the bite
• Teeth erupting in problematic positions

In these situations, addressing the issue during growth may make future treatment simpler and more predictable.

Early Treatment Is Often About Creating the Right Environment

One of the biggest misconceptions is that early orthodontic treatment is simply braces at a younger age.

In reality, early treatment is often focused on:

• Creating space
• Guiding jaw growth
• Correcting bite problems
• Encouraging healthy development

By improving the environment in which the adult teeth are developing, we may be able to reduce the severity of future orthodontic concerns.

In some cases, later treatment becomes shorter and more straightforward.

Not Every Child Needs Early Treatment

This is an important point.

Many children do not benefit from starting orthodontic treatment early.

For these children, the most appropriate approach is often regular monitoring while the adult teeth continue to erupt.

A good orthodontist will be just as comfortable recommending observation as recommending treatment.

The goal is never to start treatment as early as possible.

The goal is to provide the right treatment at the right time.

Why Orthodontic Assessments Around Age Seven Are Recommended

The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic assessment around age seven.

This recommendation sometimes surprises parents.

The purpose isn’t to start treatment immediately.

Instead, it’s an opportunity to identify whether:

• Growth is progressing normally
• There are developing bite problems
• Early intervention may be beneficial
• Monitoring is the best approach

For many families, the outcome is simply reassurance.

Every Child Is Different

One of the reasons orthodontic treatment timing varies so much is that children grow differently.

Two children of the same age may be at completely different stages of dental and jaw development.

That’s why individual assessment is so important.

What may be the perfect time for one child could be too early—or too late—for another.

Early Orthodontic Assessments 

At South Coast Orthodontics, we regularly see families from Corrimal to Figtree and throughout the Illawarra who want to understand whether early orthodontic treatment could benefit their child.

Sometimes the answer is yes.

Sometimes the answer is not yet.

And quite often, the answer is simply to keep an eye on things while growth continues.

My philosophy has always been simple: intervene when it genuinely helps and wait when it doesn’t.

Because the best orthodontic treatment isn’t necessarily the earliest treatment.

It’s the treatment that’s delivered at exactly the right time.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Kamal Ahmed

For many years, orthodontic treatment was seen as something primarily for teenagers.

Today, that’s changing.

In fact, one of the fastest-growing groups of orthodontic patients is adults.

At South Coast Orthodontics, we’re seeing more adults from Keiraville and across the Illawarra choosing to straighten their teeth than ever before. Many tell me they’ve considered treatment for years but assumed they had missed their opportunity.

The good news is that it’s rarely too late.

Adult Orthodontics Is More Common Than Ever

One of the biggest changes in modern orthodontics is that treatment has become far more discreet.

For many adults, the idea of wearing traditional metal braces was enough to put treatment in the “maybe one day” category.

Today, options such as Invisalign® and modern low-profile braces have changed that completely.

Many patients can now straighten their teeth with treatment that is:

• Discreet
• Comfortable
• Convenient
• Suitable for professional environments

As a result, adults who may never have considered orthodontics in the past are now exploring their options.

Video Calls Changed More Than We Expected

An interesting trend I’ve noticed over recent years is the impact of video calls.

Many people now spend hours each week looking at themselves on Zoom, Teams and other online platforms.

When you regularly see your own smile on screen, it’s natural to become more aware of features you’ve previously ignored.

For some adults, this has been the catalyst for finally addressing concerns they’ve had for many years.

It’s About More Than Appearance

While aesthetics are certainly important, most adult patients are not seeking treatment solely for cosmetic reasons.

Many are motivated by long-term oral health benefits.

Straighter teeth are often:

• Easier to clean
• Less likely to trap plaque
• Easier to floss effectively
• Better positioned for healthy function

In addition, correcting bite problems can help improve the way the teeth work together and reduce excessive wear on certain teeth.

Some Adults Had Braces Before

Another common group of patients are adults who had braces as teenagers.

Over time, teeth naturally move.

This is especially common if retainers are no longer being worn consistently.

Many adults seek orthodontic treatment because they want to restore a smile they once had rather than create something entirely new.

It’s Never Too Late

One of the most rewarding conversations I have with adult patients is when they realise orthodontic treatment is still an option.

I often hear comments such as:

“I wish I had done this years ago.”

“I thought I was too old.”

“I didn’t realise treatment could be this discreet.”

The reality is that healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age.

While adult treatment requires careful planning, excellent outcomes are achievable for many patients.

Adult Orthodontics Is Different; But Very Effective

Adults are no longer growing, which means treatment planning differs slightly from that of children and teenagers.

We may also need to consider:

• Existing dental work
• Gum health
• Missing teeth
• Previous orthodontic treatment

However, these factors rarely prevent treatment. They simply help us create a personalised plan that suits your circumstances.

Adult Orthodontic Treatment

At South Coast Orthodontics, we regularly help adults from Corrimal to Keiraville and throughout the Illawarra achieve healthier, more confident smiles.

Many are surprised by how comfortable, discreet and manageable modern orthodontic treatment has become.

If you’ve spent years thinking you missed your chance to straighten your teeth, it may be worth having a conversation about your options.

Because one of the biggest myths in orthodontics is that treatment has an age limit.

And some of the happiest patients I see are the ones who finally decide it’s their turn to smile with confidence.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Kamal Ahmed

When most people think about orthodontics, they think about straight teeth.

What often surprises parents is how frequently orthodontists also consider breathing, sleep and jaw development.

These may seem like completely separate topics, but they’re often closely connected. In fact, many orthodontists now view them as parts of a larger system that can influence a child’s growth and overall wellbeing.

It All Starts With Breathing

One of the most important factors in facial development is how a child breathes.

When children breathe comfortably through their nose, they naturally tend to rest with:

• Their lips together
• Their tongue against the roof of the mouth
• Their jaw in a relaxed position

This may sound insignificant, but these resting positions help support healthy jaw and facial development throughout childhood.

The tongue, in particular, acts like a natural support for the upper jaw, encouraging it to develop into a broad and well-shaped arch.

What Happens With Mouth Breathing?

When a child regularly breathes through their mouth, their resting posture changes.

The lips often remain apart, the jaw sits lower, and the tongue drops away from the roof of the mouth.

Over time, this altered posture has been associated with:

• Narrower upper jaws
• Crowded teeth
• Bite problems
• Changes in facial development

It’s important to note that not every child who mouth breathes will develop these issues.

However, the relationship is strong enough that orthodontists pay close attention to breathing habits during growth.

Jaw Growth Can Influence the Airway

Interestingly, the relationship works both ways.

Breathing can influence jaw development, but jaw development can also influence breathing.

The size and position of the jaws help determine the amount of space available in the airway.

For example, a narrow upper jaw or a lower jaw that sits further back may be associated with a more restricted airway in some children.

This is one reason orthodontists increasingly consider the airway alongside the teeth and bite.

Why Sleep Matters

The effects of breathing problems often become most noticeable during sleep.

When a child struggles to breathe comfortably at night, it can sometimes contribute to:

• Snoring
• Restless sleep
• Mouth-open sleeping
• Frequent waking
• Noisy breathing

Because children do so much of their growth and recovery while asleep, poor-quality sleep can affect more than just energy levels.

Some children may experience:

• Daytime tiredness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Learning challenges
• Behavioural changes

The connection isn’t always obvious, which is why sleep-related concerns can sometimes go unnoticed.

Looking Beyond Straight Teeth

Modern orthodontics is increasingly focused on understanding the bigger picture.

For example, when an orthodontist identifies a narrow upper jaw, the discussion may extend beyond creating space for crowded teeth.

Questions may also include:

• How is the child breathing?
• Are there signs of mouth breathing?
• Is sleep being affected?
• Could airway factors be influencing growth?

This broader perspective helps ensure we are considering the child’s overall development rather than focusing solely on tooth alignment.

Orthodontics Is Only One Part of the Puzzle

It’s important to keep this topic in perspective.

Orthodontic treatment is not a cure for all breathing or sleep problems.

Many issues involve factors such as:

• Enlarged tonsils
• Enlarged adenoids
• Allergies
• Chronic nasal congestion
• Other medical conditions

That’s why the best outcomes often come from collaboration between orthodontists, GPs, ENT specialists and other healthcare professionals.

Orthodontic Assessments

At South Coast Orthodontics, we regularly see families from Corrimal to Wollongong and throughout the Illawarra who are surprised to learn how closely breathing, sleep and jaw growth can be connected.

When assessing a child’s smile, I don’t just look at the teeth. I look at how the jaws are developing, how the bite fits together, and whether breathing habits may be influencing growth.

Because healthy development is about more than straight teeth.

It’s about understanding the whole picture and helping children achieve healthy smiles, healthy growth and the best possible foundation for the future.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Kamal Ahmed

Most parents see their child’s smile as a source of happiness.

As an orthodontist, I see that too. But, I also see something more.

A child’s smile can tell us a remarkable amount about their growth and development. The way teeth erupt, how the jaws are growing, how the bite fits together, and even certain habits can all leave clues that help us understand what’s happening beneath the surface.

That’s why an orthodontic assessment is about much more than checking whether teeth are straight.

The Eruption of Teeth Tells a Story

One of the first things I look at during a child’s orthodontic assessment is how their teeth are erupting.

Children generally follow a predictable pattern as they lose baby teeth and adult teeth emerge.

When teeth appear:

• Earlier than expected
• Later than expected
• In an unusual order
• In an unexpected position

It may simply be a normal variation.

However, it can also provide useful information about how the teeth and jaws are developing.

Most of the time there’s no cause for concern, but it’s helpful to know whether everything is progressing as expected.

The Bite Reveals How the Jaws Are Growing

A child’s bite can tell us a great deal about jaw development.

When the upper and lower teeth come together, they provide clues about:

• Jaw growth
• Facial development
• Available space for adult teeth
• Future orthodontic concerns

Sometimes we can identify developing issues such as crowding, crossbites or jaw discrepancies years before they become more noticeable.

This doesn’t necessarily mean treatment is required immediately. It simply gives us an opportunity to monitor growth and intervene at the most appropriate time if needed.

Teeth Can Reflect Childhood Habits

A child’s smile can also reveal information about certain habits.

For example, we may see signs associated with:

• Thumb sucking
• Dummy or pacifier use
• Tongue-thrust habits
• Mouth breathing

These habits can sometimes influence the way teeth and jaws develop.

Identifying them early allows families to better understand how they may be affecting growth.

Breathing Can Leave Clues Too

One of the things orthodontists increasingly pay attention to is breathing.

Children who habitually breathe through their mouth often develop different resting positions of the lips, tongue and jaw.

In some cases, this may influence facial growth and dental development over time.

A child’s smile and facial posture can sometimes provide important clues that encourage a closer look at airway health and breathing patterns.

Why Early Orthodontic Assessments Matter

One of the biggest misconceptions about orthodontics is that children should only see an orthodontist once all their adult teeth have erupted.

In reality, the Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic assessment around age seven.

This doesn’t mean every child will need treatment.

In fact, most early assessments simply provide reassurance that everything is developing normally.

The value lies in identifying any concerns while growth is still occurring and options are often simpler.

Most Assessments Bring Reassurance

One of the most important things I tell parents is that the purpose of an assessment isn’t to find problems.

More often than not, the outcome is positive.

Many children are developing exactly as they should, and an assessment simply confirms that growth is on track.

When concerns are identified, they are often easier to manage because we’ve recognised them early.

Orthodontic Assessment

At South Coast Orthodontics, we regularly see families from Corrimal to North Wollongong and throughout the Illawarra who want peace of mind about their child’s developing smile.

A child’s teeth can reveal far more than most people realise.

By understanding how the teeth, jaws and bite are developing, we can often identify opportunities to support healthy growth at exactly the right time.

Because sometimes a smile isn’t just a smile.

It’s a window into how a child is growing, and an opportunity to help them enjoy a healthy smile for life.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Kamal Ahmed

Most of us would like to think we judge people based on their character, values and actions.

And ultimately, we do.

But research consistently shows that first impressions are formed incredibly quickly, often within seconds of meeting someone. One of the strongest influences on those first impressions is something remarkably simple: a smile.

As an orthodontist, I see firsthand how much a person’s smile can affect not only how others see them, but how they see themselves.

Why Smiles Matter So Much

A smile is one of the most powerful forms of non-verbal communication.

Before we’ve spoken a word, a smile can communicate:

• Warmth
• Friendliness
• Confidence
• Approachability
• Trustworthiness

In those first few moments of meeting someone, these signals help shape how comfortable and connected people feel.

Across cultures, smiling is one of the most universally recognised expressions of positive intent.

People Notice Genuine Smiles

Interestingly, people are remarkably good at recognising the difference between a genuine smile and a forced one.

A natural smile doesn’t just involve the mouth. It also engages the muscles around the eyes.

When someone feels comfortable and smiles naturally, that authenticity tends to come across immediately.

That’s one reason confidence in your smile can have such a powerful effect on social interactions.

When People Hold Their Smile Back

Over the years, I’ve met many patients who tell me they avoid showing their teeth in photos, cover their mouth when they laugh, or smile with their lips closed.

Often, they don’t realise how much these habits have become part of their everyday behaviour.

When someone feels self-conscious about their teeth, they may unintentionally appear more reserved or less approachable than they really are.

It’s not because there’s anything wrong with them.

It’s simply because they’re holding back one of the most important ways humans communicate warmth and connection.

First Impressions Matter in Everyday Life

Whether we like it or not, first impressions play a role in many important moments, including:

• Job interviews
• Client meetings
• School and university interactions
• Social events
• Dating
• Networking opportunities

A smile won’t determine the outcome of these situations on its own.

But feeling comfortable enough to smile naturally allows people to present themselves more confidently and authentically.

Confidence Is Often the Real Goal

One of the biggest misconceptions about orthodontic treatment is that it’s purely about appearance.

In my experience, most patients aren’t chasing perfection.

They’re looking for freedom.

Freedom to laugh without covering their mouth.

Freedom to smile in photographs.

Freedom to stop thinking about their teeth every time they meet someone new.

That’s why confidence is often one of the most meaningful outcomes of orthodontic treatment.

A Healthy Smile Helps You Express Yourself

A person’s value, intelligence and character are never defined by their teeth.

But when people feel comfortable with their smile, they tend to use it more often.

And when they smile more often, they generally find it easier to express warmth, confidence and connection.

That’s the real significance of a smile.

Orthodontic Treatment in Fairy Meadow

At South Coast Orthodontics, we work with patients from Corrimal to Fairy Meadow and throughout the Illawarra to create healthy, confident smiles that last a lifetime.

While straightening teeth is the visible part of what we do, the deeper goal is helping people feel comfortable expressing themselves without hesitation.

Because sometimes the biggest benefit of a straighter smile isn’t how it looks.

It’s the confidence to share it.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Kamal Ahmed

One of the most common questions I hear after orthodontic treatment is:

“Now that my braces are off, will my teeth stay straight forever?”

The honest answer is that teeth naturally want to move throughout our lives.

This can come as a surprise to many patients. After all the time, effort and commitment that goes into orthodontic treatment, it can be frustrating to notice a tooth gradually shifting months or years later.

The good news is that tooth movement after treatment is both normal and largely preventable when the right retention plan is followed.

Why Do Teeth Move After Orthodontic Treatment?

Many people assume that once teeth are straightened, they become permanently fixed in place.

In reality, teeth are constantly responding to the forces around them.

Each tooth sits within bone and is connected to the surrounding tissues by tiny fibres. During orthodontic treatment, these fibres stretch and adapt as the teeth move into their new positions.

Even after treatment is complete, those fibres can continue to exert pressure on the teeth for some time.

Without proper retention, this can contribute to teeth gradually drifting back towards their original positions.

Teeth Naturally Move Throughout Life

Even people who have never had braces or Invisalign® experience changes in their teeth over time.

Throughout life, teeth are influenced by:

• The pressure of the tongue
• The lips and cheeks
• Everyday chewing forces
• Natural ageing and facial growth

This is one reason why lower front teeth often become more crowded as adults get older.

Teeth are not static structures. They are constantly responding to the environment around them.

Growth Can Continue After Treatment

For younger patients, jaw growth can continue for years after orthodontic treatment has finished.

As the face and jaws continue to develop, subtle changes in tooth position can occur.

This doesn’t mean the treatment has failed. It’s simply part of the normal growth process.

It’s one of the reasons orthodontists place so much emphasis on long-term retention.

The Importance of Retainers

If braces and Invisalign® create the result, retainers help protect it.

A retainer holds the teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and tissues stabilise.

Retainers also help resist the natural forces that encourage teeth to move over time.

There are two main types of retainers:

Removable Retainers

These are typically clear retainers that are worn according to your orthodontist’s instructions.

They are discreet, comfortable and easy to clean.

Fixed Retainers

A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind the teeth, usually on the lower front teeth.

Because it remains in place, it provides continuous support without relying on patient compliance.

For many patients, a combination of fixed and removable retainers offers the best long-term protection.

Retention Is Part of Treatment

One of the biggest misconceptions in orthodontics is that retention is a short-term phase that ends after a few months.

In reality, retaining your result is an ongoing commitment.

The forces that move teeth never disappear, which means retainers remain an important part of maintaining a straight smile.

I often tell patients that orthodontic treatment doesn’t truly finish when the braces come off. It finishes when we have a long-term plan to keep the teeth where we want them.

How to Protect Your New Smile

The best way to minimise relapse is surprisingly simple:

• Wear your retainers as instructed
• Attend your review appointments
• Keep removable retainers clean
• Replace damaged or worn retainers promptly
• Contact your orthodontist if a retainer no longer fits properly

Small habits today can prevent significant tooth movement in the future.

Retainers and Orthodontic Care in Fernhill

At South Coast Orthodontics, we regularly remind our patients from Fernhill and across the Illawarra that retention is every bit as important as treatment itself.

Creating a beautiful smile is only part of the journey. Protecting that smile for years and decades to come is just as important.

With the right retainer plan and a little consistency, there’s every reason to enjoy the benefits of your orthodontic treatment for the long term.

Because the best orthodontic result isn’t just a straight smile today; it’s a straight smile that stays that way.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Kamal Ahmed

When parents think about sleep problems, they usually think about bedtime routines, screen time, diet or stress.

What many people don’t realise is that the way a child’s jaws, teeth and airway develop can also influence how well they breathe during sleep.

As orthodontists, we’re increasingly looking beyond straight teeth and considering how jaw development may affect overall health, including sleep quality.

The Connection Between the Airway and Sleep

Every night, we rely on a clear and healthy airway to breathe comfortably while we sleep.

The airway sits behind the nose and mouth, and its size is influenced by surrounding structures, including:

• The upper jaw
• The lower jaw
• The tongue
• The soft tissues of the throat

If the airway becomes narrow or restricted, breathing during sleep can become more difficult.

In children, this may contribute to what healthcare professionals call sleep-disordered breathing.

Signs Parents Should Watch For

Sleep-disordered breathing doesn’t always look dramatic.

In fact, many parents are surprised to learn that some common behaviours may be related to breathing difficulties during sleep.

Signs can include:

• Snoring
• Sleeping with the mouth open
• Restless sleep
• Frequent waking
• Noisy breathing during sleep
• Daytime tiredness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability or behavioural changes

While these signs don’t automatically indicate an orthodontic issue, they can be valuable clues that warrant further investigation.

Why Jaw Development Matters

One of the reasons orthodontists pay attention to sleep is because jaw development can influence airway space.

For example, a narrow upper jaw may:

• Reduce space for the teeth
• Contribute to crowding
• Affect nasal airflow
• Be associated with a narrower airway

Similarly, a lower jaw that sits further back may also influence the space available for breathing.

This is why modern orthodontics increasingly considers not just how teeth fit together, but how the entire facial structure is developing.

Sleep Affects More Than Just Energy Levels

Quality sleep is particularly important for growing children.

Sleep supports:

• Growth and development
• Learning and memory
• Concentration
• Emotional regulation
• Overall wellbeing

When breathing repeatedly disrupts sleep, children may not always appear tired in the way adults do.

Sometimes the signs are more subtle, such as difficulty focusing at school, increased irritability or hyperactive behaviour.

Orthodontics Is Only One Piece of the Puzzle

It’s important to keep this issue in perspective.

Orthodontic treatment is not a cure for all sleep problems.

Many sleep-related breathing issues involve factors such as:

• Enlarged tonsils
• Enlarged adenoids
• Allergies
• Chronic nasal congestion
• Other medical conditions

That’s why the best outcomes often come from collaboration between healthcare professionals, including orthodontists, general practitioners, ENT specialists and sleep physicians.

When Should Parents Seek Advice?

If your child regularly snores, sleeps with their mouth open, breathes noisily during sleep or seems unusually tired during the day, it may be worth seeking professional advice.

In some cases, an orthodontic assessment can help determine whether jaw development or bite issues may be contributing to the overall picture.

Orthodontic Assessments for Families 

At South Coast Orthodontics, we regularly see families from Corrimal to Tarrawanna and throughout the northern Illawarra who are surprised to learn how closely jaw development and breathing can be connected.

Sometimes an assessment simply provides reassurance. Other times, it helps identify factors that may benefit from early attention while a child is still growing.

My goal is always to look at the bigger picture.

Straight teeth are important, but healthy jaw development, comfortable breathing and quality sleep can be just as important for a child’s long-term wellbeing.

Because sometimes a healthier smile starts with a better night’s sleep.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Kamal Ahmed

One of the most fascinating things about children’s smiles is that they are constantly changing.

From the moment the first baby tooth appears to the arrival of the last adult teeth, the mouth is continuously developing. Teeth erupt, jaws grow, and the bite gradually takes shape.

As a parent, it can sometimes be difficult to know what’s normal, what’s worth monitoring, and when it’s time to seek professional advice.

The good news is that most concerns become much easier to understand when you know how children’s jaws and teeth naturally develop.

The Mixed Dentition Years Are Important

One of the most significant stages of dental development occurs between the ages of approximately six and twelve.

During these years, children have a mixture of baby teeth and adult teeth. Orthodontists often refer to this as the “mixed dentition” phase.

This period is important because:

• The jaws are still actively growing
• Adult teeth are continuing to erupt
• Bite problems may begin to appear
• Opportunities exist to guide growth when necessary

Because growth is still occurring, certain issues can sometimes be addressed more effectively than they can later in adolescence or adulthood.

Why Orthodontists Recommend an Assessment Around Age Seven

One of the questions I hear most often is:

“Why does my child need to see an orthodontist at seven if they still have baby teeth?”

The answer is simple.

An early orthodontic assessment is not about putting young children into braces.

In most cases, it’s simply about understanding how a child’s teeth, jaws and bite are developing.

Often, the outcome is reassuring. We monitor growth, answer questions and review the child periodically as more adult teeth emerge.

What Can an Early Assessment Identify?

Occasionally, an early assessment reveals a developing issue that may benefit from intervention while growth is still occurring.

Examples include:

• Crossbites
• Significant crowding
• Jaw growth discrepancies
• Impacted or blocked teeth
• Harmful oral habits affecting development
• Lack of space for incoming adult teeth

Identifying these concerns early may allow us to guide development in a way that can simplify future treatment.

Early Treatment Isn’t Needed for Every Child

This is an important point that many parents find reassuring.

Not every child requires early orthodontic treatment.

In fact, many children simply need regular monitoring until most of their adult teeth have erupted.

When treatment is recommended early, the goal is usually to improve the environment in which the adult teeth and jaws are developing.

This might involve creating space, correcting a bite issue, or helping guide jaw growth during an important stage of development.

What About Braces in the Teenage Years?

When people think of orthodontics, they typically think of braces during the teenage years.

This type of treatment is known as comprehensive orthodontic treatment and usually takes place once most or all adult teeth have erupted.

The goal at this stage is to:

• Align the teeth precisely
• Improve the bite
• Optimise function
• Create a healthy, long-lasting smile

For some children, early intervention can make later treatment simpler and more efficient. For others, monitoring alone is all that’s needed before comprehensive treatment begins.

Don’t Panic About Every Crooked Tooth

One of the most valuable pieces of advice I can give parents is not to panic every time a tooth erupts at an unusual angle.

Children’s smiles often go through awkward stages.

Baby teeth can appear crowded, spaced or uneven before adult teeth arrive. Likewise, newly erupted adult teeth don’t always emerge perfectly straight.

Many of these changes are simply part of normal development.

The key is knowing when a concern is part of normal growth and when it deserves closer attention.

Orthodontic Assessments for Children in Towradgi

At South Coast Orthodontics, we regularly see families from Corrimal to Towradgi and across the northern Illawarra who want reassurance that their child’s smile is developing as it should.

Sometimes an assessment confirms that everything is progressing normally. Other times, it helps identify an issue early, when growth can still be used to our advantage.

My philosophy has always been to work with a child’s natural growth whenever possible.

Sometimes that means simply monitoring and waiting. Sometimes it means taking action at exactly the right time.

Either way, the goal is the same: helping children achieve healthy, functional smiles that will serve them well for life.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Kamal Ahmed