Early orthodontic treatment

Our Specialist Orthodontists agree that children can really benefit from starting orthodontic treatment around age 7. This is typically when a child’s adult teeth are developing. Early interventions can prevent the need for longer and more expensive treatments later in life.

Early treatment on the NHS isn’t available for children under the age of 10. We however are able to privately treat very specific cases in children from age 7.

Early orthodontic treatment

The benefits of early orthodontic treatment

 

Around the age of 7, children are developing and growing adult teeth. This is a great time to arrange for an evaluation with an orthodontist. At these appointments, a Specialist Orthodontist will be able to assess their teeth, mouth, jaw and bite. They will note how your child’s mouth is developing and whether or not it needs help to reach optimum function.

Children’s orthodontic treatments include techniques that help guide the growth of the jaw, allowing ample room for the adult teeth to continue growing in.
Signs that your child may benefit from early orthodontic treatment include :
  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Trouble chewing/biting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Thumb-sucking after age 5
  • Speech impediments
  • Protruding teeth
  • Malocclusion (bite abnormalities)
  • Crowded front or back teeth

Why choose early intervention?

Misalignments, malocclusions and dental trauma can begin at a young age, when the adult teeth are first coming in. Potential issues will only worsen as a child gets older so treating problems early is more effective in the long run.

Early treatment may help to prevent the need for extractions and other extensive orthodontic treatment later in life.

Early intervention orthodontic treatment may help in the following ways:

  • Ensuring ample room for growing teeth
  • Preserving space for teeth that have not come in yet
  • Supporting facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
  • Reducing the need for tooth extraction
  • Shortening overall treatment time
  • Lessening the overall cost of orthodontic treatment
Why choose early intervention?
What can I expect at my child’s appointment?

What can I expect at my child’s appointment?

When you bring your child for their appointment, a Specialist Orthodontist will do an evaluation of your child’s mouth. We won’t necessarily recommend or begin any treatments but we will be able to formulate a plan if needed that can be implemented in the coming years.

At Melton Orthodontics, we love seeing our young patients. Our staff are well-trained and experienced in working with young ones and we work hard to provide a family-centered, child-friendly environment. You can expect your child to be treated with compassion and respect, and hopefully enjoy their experience at our practice.

All new Invisalign® First treatment for children

At Melton Orthodontics, we are excited to offer an all new Invisalign® First treatment for children ages 7-10. This innovative treatment has been designed specifically for little mouths, and is used to correct dental issues in the early years.

Ask about Invisalign® First treatment during your free consultation.

Book your FREE consultation
All new Invisalign® First treatment for children

Meet the
team

Our Team

See what our
patients are saying

Discover More