The good news is that it’s never too late, and children as young as eight can benefit from an orthodontic assessment.
When to take your child to the orthodontist
During your child’s regular check-ups, their dentist will pay close attention to the positions of their teeth and jaws. If they have any concerns, they’ll recommend a referral to a specialist orthodontist.
You can also contact us directly to arrange an initial consultation with Dr. Jackie Bracken.
The ideal time for a consultation is between the ages of 8 and 10. If we spot any issues with the development of your child’s teeth and jaws, we can act quickly while they are still growing.
If your child isn’t ready for braces, but we think they might benefit from treatment in the future, we’ll arrange a follow-up appointment.
Meeting us sooner rather than later can help to reassure your child that orthodontic treatment isn’t scary. Most of our patients leave excited about the possibility of wearing braces.
If your child is feeling anxious about their appointment, please let us know. We specialise in helping patients to feel at ease – whatever their age.
Is there an age limit for braces?
While the ideal age for a consultation is 8–10, don’t worry if you’ve missed this window – we can still help.
There’s no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment, and adults can achieve the same incredible results as children. If your teeth and gums are healthy, you’ll likely be suitable for braces.
If you’ve been considering braces for a while, and you’re wondering if the time is right, come and see us for a no-obligation consultation. You might be surprised to hear how quickly and discreetly we can transform your smile.
Are braces different for adults and children?
We offer all the popular teeth-straightening options, including clear and metal fixed braces and Invisalign aligners.
All our braces are available to adults and children. Most adults opt for discreet options like Invisalign and clear braces, while children enjoy the fun of fixed braces with coloured elastics.
Treatment times are similar for adults and children. Adult’s teeth typically move slightly slower, but the difference is often negligible. On average, adult treatment times are faster because they’re usually straightforward cases.
It’s not uncommon for adults to already have crowns, bridges, implants or veneers. We can usually plan your treatment around these restorations without any problems. If they do need replacing, we’ll work closely with your dentist to ensure a seamless experience.
Whatever your age, you’ll need to wear retainers when you finish your treatment. Your retainers will keep your teeth straight, and if you wear them correctly, your results will last a lifetime.
We include removable retainers and one year of aftercare for every patient.
Book your no-obligation consultation
If you need advice about orthodontic treatment, contact our knowledgeable team. We’ll answer all your questions and help you to arrange a virtual or face-to-face consultation.
You can also book your first appointment online quickly and securely.
