When Should Kids Start Orthodontic Treatment? A Parent’s Guide
Many parents will know that orthodontic treatment is a likelihood for their children as they grow up. Some may have even had braces themselves as teenagers and benefitted from teeth straightening themselves. What isn’t always clear is when dentists start to consider children for orthodontic treatment. You may be surprised to hear that we actually start to look for signs of misalignment and jaw problems much earlier than standard orthodontic treatment tends to start. The sooner we are aware of potential problems, we can plan treatment ahead of time to give young smiles the best chance of staying in position into adulthood.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about orthodontics for children, when to begin, what signs to watch for, and how early care can make a big difference in your child’s oral health and development.
Understanding Orthodontics in Children
Orthodontic treatment involves more than just straightening teeth. It focuses on aligning the jaws, correcting the bite, and guiding facial development. These elements can have long-term effects on everything from speech to chewing, breathing, and self-esteem.
In children, orthodontics isn’t just about cosmetic improvements. It’s a proactive step toward preventing more serious dental issues later in life. By starting early, we can often reduce the need for more invasive treatments down the line. Young adult teeth are much more malleable when it comes to orthodontic treatment as the jaw and facial bone are more accepting of movement. While it is best to have orthodontic treatment the moment we spot signs of malocclusion, adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment.
Why an Early Orthodontic Evaluation Matters
Dentists check young teeth for orthodontic need as early as five years of age for a number of reasons. The way that baby teeth grow can give an indication of future issues when the adult teeth come through. Here are a few reasons why early evaluations are so important:
- 1. Catch Problems Early
Some orthodontic issues are much easier to correct while your child is still growing. By identifying them early, we can intervene before they become more difficult (and costly) to treat. - 2. Guide Jaw Development
If a child’s upper or lower jaw is growing too quickly or too slowly, early orthodontics can guide growth using appliances or braces. This can improve facial symmetry and help prevent the need for jaw surgery later on. - 3. Create Space for Incoming Teeth
In cases where the mouth is too small to accommodate all the permanent teeth, we may recommend early treatment to create space. This can reduce the risk of impacted teeth or overcrowding. - 4. Avoid More Complex Treatment Later
Early treatment can reduce the likelihood of extractions or lengthy orthodontic procedures in the teenage years.
Common Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Attention
While not all children will require early treatment, certain signs may indicate a need for evaluation. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing baby teeth around age 6)
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb sucking beyond age 5
- Crowded, misplaced, or protruding teeth
- Jaws that shift, make noise, or appear uneven
- An overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite
- Speech difficulties caused by misaligned teeth
NHS Orthodontics Vs Private Orthodontics
Under the NHS, orthodontic treatment is usually free for children under 18 who meet the criteria. That means they must:
- Be assessed using the IOTN
- Score DHC 4 or 5 (with some exceptions for high AC scores)
- Be referred by a general dentist, typically around age 11–13
When considering orthodontic treatment for your child, especially through the NHS, it’s important to understand the IOTN, or Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. The IOTN is a clinical index that helps dental professionals assess how necessary orthodontic treatment is. It’s used to prioritise care for those who need it most, not just for cosmetic reasons, but for functional dental health. This nationally recognised system is used by orthodontists across the UK, including here in London, to determine whether a child qualifies for NHS-funded treatment.
Why Is the IOTN Important?
The IOTN ensures NHS resources are directed toward those with genuine medical needs. It also provides a consistent, fair way for orthodontists to make treatment decisions. We’re happy to assess your child and explain their IOTN score so you understand all your options, both NHS and private. Just bear in mind that not every dental practice has an NHS Orthodontics contract. If your child scores DHC 1–3, NHS treatment is not typically offered. However, private treatment options are always available for cosmetic concerns or lower-priority cases.
Private Orthodontic Treatment: More Flexibility
If your child doesn’t qualify for NHS treatment but you still wish to pursue orthodontics, private orthodontics is still an option. At our London clinic, we offer a range of private options including:
- Lingual braces
- Ceramic (tooth-coloured) braces
- Invisalign® for teens
Private treatment also means more flexible appointment times and no waiting lists.
What Is the Best Age to See an Orthodontist?
The British Orthodontic Society and many paediatric dental experts recommend that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7.
By age 7, most children have a mix of baby (primary) teeth and adult (permanent) teeth. This transitional phase gives orthodontists a unique opportunity to spot issues with jaw growth, tooth eruption, and bite alignment.
This doesn’t mean treatment will start immediately. In many cases, your orthodontist may simply suggest monitoring your child’s development and intervening only when the timing is right.
Types of Early Orthodontic Treatment
If your child is a candidate for early treatment, also called interceptive orthodontics, there are several approaches that may be used depending on the condition:
- xRemovable appliancesxx
These can gently guide jaw growth or reposition teeth. - Fixed appliances
Such as expanders or partial braces, often used to widen the palate or maintain space. - Functional appliances
These work with the child’s jaw movements to correct bite issues (common with underbites or overbites). - Space maintainers
Used when baby teeth are lost prematurely to ensure permanent teeth come in correctly.
What Happens If You Wait?
Delaying an orthodontic evaluation doesn’t always lead to problems, but in some cases, waiting too long can complicate treatment. Once the jawbones finish growing, around the teenage years, it becomes harder to shift them into the proper alignment without more extensive orthodontic work.
Also, unaddressed issues like severe crowding, improper bite, or jaw misalignment can contribute to:
- Speech and chewing problems
- Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Jaw pain or TMJ disorders
- Low self-esteem due to visible dental issues
Early detection allows us to avoid these outcomes and build a treatment plan with the best possible timing.
Giving Young Smiles The Best Chance Throughout Adulthood With Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment is more than a cosmetic fix. It plays a crucial role in your child’s oral health, comfort, and confidence. While not every child needs early treatment, having an evaluation by age 7 gives you peace of mind and helps set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
At De-ientes Dental, we’re committed to making every visit stress-free, friendly, and informative. Whether your child needs early intervention or will benefit from monitoring, we’ll guide you through each step with clear communication and compassionate care. We offer free consultations for our Orthodontic treatments so if you wish to speak to our treatment co-ordinator before making a decision, you can do so without any obligation.
FAQs
What are signs that my child may need orthodontic treatment?
Indicators include early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, and crowded or misplaced teeth.
Can orthodontic issues correct themselves over time?
Some issues may self-correct, but many require professional intervention to prevent more serious problems later on.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic treatment?
Early treatment can guide jaw growth, correct harmful oral habits, and improve the appearance and function of teeth.
Are braces the only option for children?
No, treatment options include traditional braces, clear aligners, and other appliances, depending on the child’s specific needs.
How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?
Treatment duration varies but typically ranges from 18 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case.
Is orthodontic treatment covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for orthodontic treatment; it’s important to check with your provider.
Will my child experience discomfort with braces?
Some discomfort is normal, especially after adjustments, but it usually subsides within a few days.
How often will my child need to visit the orthodontist during treatment?
Regular visits are typically scheduled every 4 to 8 weeks to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
What happens if we delay orthodontic treatment?
Delaying treatment can lead to more complex issues that may require more invasive procedures in the future.
Exceptional Orthodontics Treatment At De-ientes Dental
You can book an initial appointment online through our system here.. Alternatively, you can give our friendly team a call on 020 8731 9020.
We also offer flexible appointment times, family-friendly spaces, and various treatment options including traditional braces, discreet appliances, and Invisalign® for teens when appropriate.
