Braces for Kids: Finding the Best Treatment for Your Child’s Smile

Child visiting an orthodontist for braces

As specialists in braces for kids, we understand the importance of finding the best treatment for your child’s smile and oral health. Here at Dulwich Orthodontics, we are committed to providing a personalised approach to orthodontic treatment, as every child is different and requires a customised treatment plan that has been created by our expert team. With a range of braces options tailored for kids, including traditional metal braces and discreet options like ceramic braces and Invisalign clear aligners, we have the perfect solution to meet your child's orthodontic needs in a comfortable and relaxed environment that is focused upon patient care. Schedule a consultation with our team today to start your child’s orthodontic journey, or read on to explore the kids braces treatments that we offer.

Early Orthodontic Treatment for Kids

Orthodontic treatment for children and teenagers is not just about achieving a straighter smile, but also about promoting overall oral and jaw health. Early orthodontic intervention can help prevent, as well as correct, a wide range of dental issues, including misalignment, overcrowding, bite issues, and poor jaw development. By addressing these issues early on, we can ensure that your child’s teeth and jaw align properly as they grow and minimise the need for more extensive and invasive treatments in the future.

At Dulwich Orthodontics, we believe in taking a proactive approach to orthodontic treatment for kids. Our team of experienced orthodontists will carefully assess your child's current dental and jaw development, taking into consideration their unique needs and goals, to create a personalised treatment plan that suits your requirements, meets their orthodontic needs, and keeps them relaxed and confident throughout their realignment treatment.

Our Braces for Kids Treatments

At Dulwich Orthodontics, we offer a wide range of brace treatments specifically tailored for kids. Our goal is to provide options that are effective, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing, so that your child feels confident throughout their orthodontic journey, so here are the kids braces treatments we offer:

1. Invisalign Teen

Invisalign Teen is a popular realignment choice for teenagers who want a discreet and comfortable orthodontic treatment. These clear aligners are virtually invisible when worn, making them a great option for self-conscious teens who may be worried about the appearance of traditional metal braces, and can also be removed, making it easier to eat, drink, sleep, and maintain good oral hygiene during treatment.

The aligners are specifically designed for teenagers and tailored to their mouth, to gradually move the teeth into a new position that has been mapped out during the initial consultation and agreed upon by the patient. Each set will need to be worn for at least two weeks before moving onto the next set, and our team will closely monitor your child’s progress throughout the treatment to ensure the desired results are achieved.

2. Fixed Appliances

If your child would prefer a more durable, long-term fixed appliance, or if they have more severe dental issues that require fixed braces for kids, then we also offer we are also able to accommodate these requirements. Here at Dulwich Orthodontics, we understand the importance of individualised treatment and specialised care, and we offer a range of fixed braces for kids that are customised to each patient's unique needs. Our fixed appliances consist of brackets that are attached to the front of the teeth, with a wire inserted through them, and traditional metal braces are the most well-known type of fixed aligner. These braces are made of high-quality stainless steel and are highly durable, as well as easily adjustable, guaranteeing the precise alignment of the teeth.

For those seeking a more discreet alignment option, we also provide ceramic braces. These braces are made of tooth-coloured or clear materials that blend in with the natural colour of the teeth, making them less noticeable than metal braces, offering a more aesthetically-pleasing and discrete option. A similarly discrete, more modern alternative to metal braces is self-ligating braces, that use small metal clips to keep the wire in place instead of elastic bands. This reduces the amount of friction and discomfort associated with fixed braces for a more comfortable orthodontic treatment, and they can also reduce treatment times because the wires don’t need to be tightened at each appointment.

With a variety of fixed brace options, we specialise in providing children with the best orthodontic care, helping them achieve healthy and beautiful smiles. Our experienced team works closely with each patient, and their parents, to develop a personalised treatment plan and monitor the progress to ensure exceptional results.

Treatment Options for Children

We understand that cost can be a concern for many parents when considering braces for kids, and that’s why we offer a range of services, including NHS, standard, and premium services.

The NHS provides funding for children with more severe dental issues that impact their oral health and function, and we are proud to offer exceptional NHS orthodontic treatment for eligible children under 16. Our team will assess your child's eligibility for NHS treatment during the initial consultation, which will be within four weeks of them being referred to our practice, and if your child qualifies, we will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses their specific needs. This will include an in-depth discussion of the treatments available and their benefits, as NHS treatment typically involves traditional metal braces, which are effective and reliable in correcting a wide range of dental issues.

In addition to NHS orthodontic treatment, we also offer Standard Private and Premium Private services for children who may not be eligible for NHS funding or prefer additional treatment options. Our private services allow for a wider choice of braces materials, including ceramic braces, which are less noticeable and more accommodating than traditional metal braces. Both our cost-effective Standard Private service, and our Premium Private service offer a wider choice of aligners and braces, with the Premium service also offering appointment times outside of school hours and on Saturdays, so whatever treatment your child opts for, it won’t get in the way of their usual routine or take up unnecessary time out of your schedule.

Our initial consultations with our private Treatment Coordinator are free for children of any age, and we also offer a range of payment plans, including an interest-free option, to help spread the cost of your child’s treatment and prevent concerns around payment from getting in the way of your child's oral health.

Braces for Kids at Dulwich Orthodontics

At Dulwich Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing the best orthodontic care for kids, with a range of personalised treatment options and braces for kids that are tailored to their individual needs. Choosing the right braces for kids is an important decision that can significantly impact their oral health and confidence, so whether your child requires fixed braces or removable aligners, our experienced team is here to guide them through their orthodontic journey with care. Schedule a consultation with us today to start your child's realignment transformation, or explore our range of child orthodontic services here.