Orthodontic treatment for children

We understand your children are your number one priority. That’s why we want to provide the very best for their smile. The ideal time to bring your child to an orthodontist is typically around 11-12 years old, but if you notice potential issues before then, please give us a call.

A proactive approach to orthodontic care in children can help cut down the time and cost of treatment later in life, and ensure they enjoy a picture-perfect smile that will last through adulthood. 

Orthodontic issues to look out for

To give your child’s teeth the best start in life, make sure you take them for regular check-ups with your family dentist every six months. Your dentist will be able to advise you on whether or not your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment, either now or in the future.

Some of the issues your child may experience that could require orthodontic treatment include:

• Crowding as adult teeth come through and overlap each other
• Protruding upper front teeth, often caused by thumb sucking habits
• Misaligned jaws so your child’s teeth don’t sit correctly when they bite on the back molars

At No1 The Orthodontic Specialists, we can assess your child’s orthodontic needs and begin treatment when it’s appropriate. We also have pre-treatment appliances, such as the twin block appliance, which can reduce their need for major orthodontic treatment in their teenage years. 

Here at No1, we offer a variety of treatment options geared towards enhancing the smiles of children and teenagers:

• Fixed metal braces
• Ceramic Braces
• Invisalign® First for children
• Invisalign® Teen

Prior to starting treatment, all patients will have an in-depth consultation with one of our Specialist Orthodontists to ascertain which system will suit their needs and lifestyle best. 

NHS treatment

Patients aged 18 and under may be eligible to receive treatment under the NHS if they have a specific health concern and have been referred by a dentist. Unfortunately, orthodontic treatment for cosmetic reasons is usually not available on the NHS.

If your child is under 18 years of age, they are entitled to a free NHS consultation. This is a requirement before you can join the NHS waiting list. During this consultation, our Specialist Orthodontists need to determine if your child qualifies for treatment under the NHS.

As consultants within the NHS, our Specialist Orthodontists are trained to the highest level, enabling them to confidently diagnose and address your child’s treatment needs. We will assess your child’s needs in relation to The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN).

If you think your child may need orthodontic treatment, please ensure they have been referred in early to be are assessed before they are 18 so they can be placed on the NHS waiting list. 

Does your child qualify for NHS treatment?

Some of the dental problems that typically qualify include:

• Buried or missing teeth
• Severe crowding
• Abnormal bites interfering with eating and drinking
• Teeth sticking out in excess of 6mm

If your child qualifies for NHS care we will do all we can to see them as soon as possible. Due to constrained NHS budgets and limited funding for orthodontic treatment, you may be required to join a treatment waiting list. We will inform you of this during your assessment appointment. 

Private treatment

If your child falls short of NHS treatment requirements, or you feel the NHS wait time is too long, you do have the option of private treatment. At No1 The Orthodontic Specialists, we offer self-funded private care that opens you up to a wealth of benefits. We have no waiting list for children’s’ braces – your child’s treatment can start straight away!

Private treatments have more flexible appointment times and a wider range of treatment options, such as discreet lingual, ceramic or Invisalign® braces. We can also make wearing braces fun with coloured elastic bands on fixed braces.

Private treatment is a considerable financial investment, but to help make your child’s orthodontic treatment more affordable, the cost can be broken up over smaller monthly repayments.