Orthodontics for Children

The sooner, the better!

Orthodontic treatment in children is almost always a case of “the sooner, the better”.

If misaligned teeth aren’t properly sorted out at a young age, dealing with the problem in adulthood takes a lot more effort and is much more expensive. In most cases, the earlier misaligned teeth and jaw dysfunctions are identified and corrected, the simpler the treatment will be.

Even before children lose their milk teeth, misalignments can be corrected to ensure further development is normal. For example, in cases of gaps in milk teeth, it’s important to ensure that enough space is kept free for the adult teeth later on.

There are various treatment options available, depending on the age of the patient and the individual dental situation. We will be happy to organise a personal consultation to advise you on which is best for your child.

Removable Braces

Although not fixed in the mouth, removable braces stimulate jaw growth and ‘train’ the muscles and soft tissues to ensure tooth positioning and bite develop properly. These braces are regularly adjusted by us over time, and it’s vital that they’re worn for the entire time agreed. Regular check-ups, good dental hygiene and proper handling of the brace are equally important.
All these factors have a considerable effect on the success of the treatment. Because of this, we take plenty of time to get your child actively involved in their treatment, in a sensitive way appropriate to their age. We also highly recommend that your child has regular preventative check-ups with your dentist, as the risk of tooth decay during orthodontic treatment is especially high.

Fixed Braces

Fixed braces consist of brackets which are ‘glued’ onto the teeth and connected together by a metal wire. By adjusting the wire, the forces applied to the teeth can be precisely controlled. Alternatives to conventional metal brackets exist in the shape of less obtrusive ceramic brackets or the slender, modern Speed System.

Preventative measures are even more important with fixed braces, as the permanently-attached brackets make it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene. Regular check-ups and professional teeth cleaning with your dentist are essential.