Private Orthodontic Care for Children and Teenagers
Orthodontic problems can become noticeable as a child’s adult teeth begin to come through.
Crowding, prominent teeth, crossbites and differences in the way the upper and lower teeth meet can affect the appearance of the smile, how easy the teeth are to clean and, in some cases, the bite.
At West House Dental, we provide private children’s orthodontics and braces in Pinner, North West London, for children and teenagers at different stages of dental development.
We assess the teeth and bite before explaining whether treatment is needed now, whether monitoring is more appropriate or whether it would be better to wait until more adult teeth have erupted.
Most children who need comprehensive orthodontic treatment begin around the age of 12 or 13, once their permanent teeth are established.
However, the British Orthodontic Society explains that in some cases treatment is better started earlier, so the right timing depends on the individual child.
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
There is no single age at which every child should start orthodontic treatment.
In the UK, children who need braces tend to begin treatment in their early teens, however dental and bite problems are better assessed while the teeth and jaws are still developing.
Regular children’s dental check-ups also give us an opportunity to monitor how the adult teeth are erupting and how the bite is developing.
An earlier orthodontic assessment may be useful if you notice:
- Significant crowding or overlapping teeth;
- Upper front teeth that are particularly prominent;
- A crossbite, where some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth;
- An underbite or another noticeable difference in the way the upper and lower teeth meet;
- Adult teeth erupting in an unexpected position or at noticeably different times; or
- Another concern about the way your child’s teeth or bite are developing.
An assessment does not necessarily mean that braces will be recommended straight away. In many cases, the most appropriate approach is to monitor development and review your child again as more adult teeth come through.
What Happens at a Children’s Orthodontic Assessment?
A children’s orthodontic assessment looks at more than whether the teeth appear straight. We assess how the adult teeth are developing, the amount of space available, the position of the teeth and the way the upper and lower teeth meet.
Depending on your child’s age and stage of development, we may recommend treatment, further monitoring or a review once more adult teeth have erupted.
If treatment is likely to be beneficial, we will explain the available options, when treatment should begin and what you and your child can expect from the process.
This gives you a clear plan without starting orthodontic treatment earlier than necessary.
Early Orthodontic Treatment and Phase 1 Orthodontics
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics or Phase 1 orthodontics, is treatment carried out before all of a child’s adult teeth have erupted. It is used selectively when there is a developing problem that may be better managed while the teeth and jaws are still developing.
Depending on the individual child, early treatment may be considered for certain crossbites, significant crowding or eruption problems, prominent teeth or particular bite and jaw relationships. It is not a routine stage for every child, and starting orthodontic treatment sooner is not automatically better.
Parents may also hear this described as first-phase treatment. The type of brace or orthodontic appliance used will depend on the problem being treated and the child’s stage of development.
Following an assessment, we can explain whether your child may benefit from early intervention, regular monitoring or comprehensive orthodontic treatment at a later stage.
Braces for Children and Teenagers
Braces for children and teenagers are planned around the stage of dental development, the position of the teeth and the way the upper and lower teeth meet.
Some young patients need comprehensive fixed braces once most of their permanent teeth have erupted, while others may benefit from a different orthodontic appliance or a shorter phase of early treatment.
The most suitable type of braces for your child will depend on their age, dental development, the position of their teeth and the way their bite is developing.
Where a less noticeable fixed option is suitable, we can also discuss ceramic braces as part of the available orthodontic treatment options.
Before treatment begins, we will explain the suitable options, expected treatment time, appointments and how to look after the teeth and braces.
We also take time to help children and teenagers understand what to expect from orthodontic treatment and how to care for their braces at home and at school.
Once active orthodontic treatment is complete, retainers are normally an important part of maintaining the new position of the teeth.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment for Children and Teenagers
The benefits of orthodontic treatment depend on the problem being treated. For children and teenagers, treatment may help to:
- Straighten crowded, overlapping or crooked teeth
- Improve the way the upper and lower teeth meet
- Make crowded teeth easier to keep clean
- Improve the position of prominent front teeth
- Help a young person feel more comfortable and confident with their smile
Where front teeth are particularly prominent, appropriate orthodontic treatment may also help reduce their risk of accidental damage.
Earlier treatment is not necessarily better for every child. The aim is to identify the problem and recommend treatment at the stage when it is most appropriate for your child’s dental development.
At West House Dental in Pinner Memorial Park, we take time to assess your child’s teeth, bite and dental development before explaining the available options clearly.
Alongside children’s orthodontics, our wider children’s dentistry services allow us to support your child’s dental health as their teeth and bite develop.
If orthodontic treatment is recommended, we will discuss the type of treatment, expected timing and costs, as well as how your child can look after their teeth and braces at home and at school.
Book a children’s orthodontic assessment to find out whether your child needs treatment now or whether monitoring their development would be more appropriate.
Book your child’s orthodontic assessment
We will explain whether treatment is needed now, or whether it is better to wait.
Children’s Orthodontics FAQs
Some 8-year-olds can benefit from orthodontic treatment, but many children at this age do not need braces.
Treatment may be considered when there is a specific developing problem where earlier intervention could be useful. In other cases, monitoring the teeth and bite until more adult teeth have erupted is the more appropriate approach.
An orthodontic assessment can establish whether treatment is indicated now or whether it would be better to review your child again as their teeth develop.
Treatment time varies depending on the position of the teeth, the bite and the type of orthodontic treatment required. Fixed-brace treatment commonly takes around one year, although simpler or more complex cases may take less or more time.
We will provide a personalised estimate after assessing your child’s teeth and explain what will be involved before treatment begins. After active treatment, retainers are normally needed to help maintain the new position of the teeth.
Yes. Children can continue playing sport during orthodontic treatment, but extra protection is recommended for contact sports. We can also offer custom fitted sports mouthguards for children.
If part of your child’s brace becomes loose, broken or uncomfortable, contact the practice so we can advise you and arrange an appointment if necessary.
Broken braces can interfere with treatment and may sometimes extend the overall treatment time if they are not repaired. We will also explain how to look after the appliance and which foods are best avoided to reduce the risk of damage.
Yes. Most children can continue playing wind or brass instruments while having orthodontic treatment, although fixed braces can feel different at first and may require a short period of adjustment.