Children’s Orthodontics
Orthodontics for children is about more than straight teeth. A child’s jaw is still growing, and that growth is an opportunity. Treating certain problems early lets us guide how the jaw develops, make room for adult teeth coming through, and correct issues like crossbites or protruding front teeth while they’re easier to fix.
The earlier we can spot a problem, the simpler the solution tends to be. Children’s orthodontics isn’t about rushing into braces. It’s about catching the issues that benefit from early action, and confidently leaving alone the ones that don’t. In many cases that means no treatment at all, just a check now and another in a year. When treatment is needed, starting at the right age can prevent more complex work, extractions or even jaw surgery later on.
When to bring your child
The British Orthodontic Society recommends a first orthodontic check by around age 7. At that age most children still have some baby teeth, but enough adult teeth have come through for us to see how the jaw and bite are developing.
A check at 7 doesn’t mean braces at 7. In most cases everything is developing well and we simply keep an eye on it, seeing your child again as they grow. Only a small number need early treatment, and those are usually the children who benefit from it most.
Signs worth an early check
– Baby teeth lost very early or very late
– Difficulty biting or chewing
– Front teeth that stick out or don’t meet properly
– Thumb sucking past age 4
– Crowded or noticeably crooked front teeth
– Mouth breathing
Early treatment (Phase 1)
When early treatment is needed, it’s usually a short, targeted phase between roughly ages 7 and 10, lasting around 9 to 15 months. It focuses on guiding growth rather than fine-tuning every tooth. Depending on the issue, we might use:
– Expanders to widen a narrow upper jaw and correct crossbites
– Removable or functional appliances, such as a twin block, to guide jaw position
– Partial braces to correct specific teeth or create space
Many children then have a rest period while the remaining adult teeth come through, followed later by Phase 2, usually full braces or aligners, to complete the alignment.
NHS and private
We’re a private practice and don’t offer NHS orthodontic treatment. It’s worth knowing why so few children get it: NHS braces are only funded for the most severe cases, graded using the IOTN scale, and even a borderline case can miss out. Where a referral is approved, waiting lists in many areas run well past a year, with too few NHS orthodontists to meet demand.
Given how restricted that route is, we offer under-18s a lower private rate with flexible payment options, so treatment can start without the wait.
Book a Consultation
Not sure if this is the right treatment for you? Book the consultation anyway. That’s exactly what it’s for.