Children's Orthodontics
Guide growing jaws and teeth into place with early intervention.
While a child is still growing, their jaws can be guided into a better shape — something that isn't possible once growth has finished. Early treatment creates room for the adult teeth to come through properly, and can make later treatment simpler or shorter.
Signs Your Child May Need Early Treatment
- ✓Adult teeth coming through crowded, or in front of or behind each other
- ✓Upper and lower teeth that don't meet properly when biting
- ✓Front teeth that stick out, or a bite that's noticeably deep
- ✓A narrow upper jaw, or upper teeth sitting inside the lower ones
- ✓Breathing through the mouth, or snoring
- ✓Thumb sucking or a tongue-thrust habit that's carried on past the early years
- ✓Baby teeth lost much earlier or later than expected
- ✓Difficulty biting into food, or jaw clicking
Appliances We Use
| Appliance | What it does | Typically used for |
|---|---|---|
| MyoBrace | Trains tongue position, lip seal and breathing habits | Habits driving crooked teeth — mouth breathing, tongue thrust |
| LM appliance | A soft removable trainer that guides erupting teeth | Guiding adult teeth into place as they come through |
| Palatal expander (Biobloc) | Gradually widens a narrow upper jaw | Crossbites and crowding, while the jaw is still growing |
| 2x4 fixed appliance | Small braces on the front teeth and back molars | Straightening the front teeth early, before all adult teeth are through |
Common Questions
What age should I bring my child in?
Around age 7 for a first orthodontic assessment. Enough adult teeth are through by then to spot problems, while there's still plenty of growth left to work with. It doesn't mean treatment starts straight away.
Will early treatment mean they avoid braces later?
Sometimes, but not always — and we won't promise it. What early treatment reliably does is make the bite easier to correct, reduce the chance of teeth needing to be removed, and often shorten treatment in the teenage years.
How long does my child wear the appliance?
Removable appliances like MyoBrace and the LM appliance are usually worn for an hour or two during the day plus overnight. Fixed appliances like an expander or a 2x4 stay in place for a few months at a time.
Is it uncomfortable?
There's an adjustment period of a few days after fitting or tightening, and speech can be a little odd at first. It settles quickly, and children generally adapt faster than adults.
Does it work if my child forgets to wear it?
Removable appliances only work when they're worn, so consistency matters more than anything else here. If that's a struggle, we'll look at a fixed option instead.
Why does mouth breathing matter?
Breathing through the mouth changes where the tongue rests, and the tongue is what shapes the upper jaw as it grows. Persistent mouth breathing is linked with a narrow jaw and crowded teeth, so it's worth addressing early.
What to Expect
Consultation
Our dentist will assess your condition and explain the procedure in detail.
Preparation
We'll ensure you're comfortable before we begin, including local anaesthetic if needed.
Treatment
The procedure is carried out with care and precision.
Aftercare
We'll give you clear aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up if required.
Book Your Child's Orthodontic Assessment
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