Helping children to have a lifetime of great oral health, strong teeth and a confident smile is incredibly important to our team. We work hard to make sure every visit to the dentist is relaxed, friendly and even fun, as we know it is essential to make sure children and young people always feel comfortable to come into the practice.
Once children begin to develop their adult set of teeth, it may be the case that some straightening work will need to be carried out to help their bite and give them the confidence to smile. We offer a fantastic range of straightening options to help treat every one of our young patients.
We will carry out detailed assessments and take the time to talk to you and your child about the most suitable options to achieve the best results.
This may range from our fixed brace solutions, including the Damon brace, that involves subtle clear brackets and a sliding mechanism for less discomfort and quicker results.
Other options could include an Inman Aligner, or an Invisalign aligner for an almost invisible straightening solution.
We understand that for some young patients this can be anxious time, so we will always look to clearly explain everything, answering any questions they may have.
We will carry out all fitting and adjustments to straightening devices as gently and carefully as possible, so the straightening experience is a reassuring, straightforward journey to achieve the beautiful, healthy smile all young people deserve.
Children’s orthodontics focuses on diagnosing and treating dental issues in growing children to ensure they develop a healthy smile and bite. Early orthodontic care can help guide the growth of the jaw and teeth, preventing future dental problems. At Chiswick Park Dental, we offer a range of treatment options designed to address issues such as misalignment, crowding, and bite problems in children, setting the foundation for long-term oral health.
Early orthodontic treatment can help detect potential issues before they become more complex. By identifying problems early, we can provide intervention to guide the proper development of your child’s teeth and jaw. Benefits of early treatment include:
It’s recommended that children see an orthodontist by age 7. This is the age when many dental issues, such as jaw growth problems, bite issues, and crowding, begin to become apparent. An early evaluation can help determine if and when orthodontic treatment is necessary. Even if your child doesn’t need immediate treatment, early visits allow the orthodontist to monitor their development and address any emerging issues.
There are several common orthodontic problems that may require treatment during childhood. Some of these include:
Crowding occurs when there is not enough space in the mouth for all of your child’s teeth to fit properly. This often results in teeth overlapping or being pushed out of alignment.
An overbite occurs when the upper teeth extend too far beyond the lower teeth. This can lead to issues with biting and chewing, and may cause excessive wear on teeth.
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth. It can cause difficulty in chewing, speaking, and may lead to jaw strain or discomfort.
A crossbite occurs when one or more of the upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth. This can lead to tooth wear, gum disease, and bone loss if left untreated.
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not come together properly, leaving an open space. This can cause difficulty in chewing and speaking and may affect facial appearance.
At Chiswick Park Dental, we offer various orthodontic treatments for children depending on their specific needs. These options include:
Traditional metal braces are a common and highly effective treatment for children with misaligned teeth. These braces use brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into the correct position over time. Modern braces are smaller, more comfortable, and can be customized with colored bands to make the treatment more fun for your child.
For children who prefer a more discreet option, clear braces provide an alternative to traditional metal braces. These braces work similarly to metal braces but use clear or tooth-colored brackets to blend in with the teeth for a less noticeable treatment.
Palatal expanders are used to widen the upper jaw in children whose upper jaw is too narrow to accommodate all of their teeth. This treatment is often done in the early stages of orthodontic care to make space for adult teeth to come in properly.
After active treatment, retainers are used to keep the teeth in their new positions and ensure that they don’t shift back. Retainers can be removable or fixed, depending on the child’s needs and the orthodontist’s recommendation.
If a child loses a baby tooth early, a space maintainer may be used to hold the space open for the permanent tooth. This ensures that the adult teeth have enough space to grow in properly.
It is recommended that children begin orthodontic evaluations around the age of 7, when their adult teeth start to come in. Early intervention can help identify potential issues.
Children can benefit from various orthodontic treatments, including fixed braces like the Damon system, removable devices like the Inman Aligner, or Invisalign for more discreet options.
The duration of treatment varies depending on the child’s specific needs, but typically it can last between 12 to 24 months.
Some discomfort may occur, especially after adjustments. However, Chiswick Park Dental Practice takes a gentle approach to ensure the experience is as comfortable as possible for children.
Orthodontic coverage varies by insurance plan. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to determine if your child’s treatment is covered, or ask Chiswick Park Dental for guidance on payment options.
Monday 8.30am – 5:30pm
Tuesday 8.00am – 8.00pm
Wednesday 8.00am – 8.00pm
Thursday 9.00am – 7.00pm
Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm
Saturday – by appointment
Orthodontic Clinic & Hygienist 10.00am – 5.00pm twice each month
