Treatments for kids and teens

Name: Harpenden Orthodontic Practice
Telephone: 01582 465 200

Early orthodontic treatment can help to give your child’s smile the best start in life. Getting ahead of any orthodontic problems can mean simpler treatment plans, quicker results and brighter smiles for years to come.

What age should my child see an orthodontist?

The British Society of Orthodontists recommends that children be seen by an orthodontist around the age of 7 years old. At this age their back bite has been established and it is easy for a trained orthodontist to catch orthodontic issues before they worsen.

Your child might not need orthodontic treatment at this young age but we can monitor the growth of their smile and intervene at the most optimum time.

What age should my child see an orthodontist

Why is early treatment important?

As children develop, not only are their teeth moving but so are their jaws. Catching any progressing problems early means that they can be influenced in the right direction as they grow.

Children can be assessed as young as age six, even if they haven’t gotten all their adult teeth yet. If we start treatment early, we may be able to significantly shorten (or prevent the need for) treatment in the teenage years.

Angel KIDD for small smiles

One of the best ways to treat our young patients is with Angel KIDD. This is a special clear aligner treatment made just for children aged 6–10. Angel KIDD guides the growth of your child’s smile and makes room for their current and incoming teeth.

Angel KIDD aligners are removable, so you don’t need to change your child’s diet or oral hygiene routine. The aligners are also smooth and comfortable, making them a gentle and easy introduction to orthodontic care.

Orthodontic treatment for teens

The teenage years are a fabulous time to straighten your smile. Teen’s jaws are still growing so we are able to help them through treatment more effectively. At Harpenden Orthodontics we have a number of treatment options for teens, including:

Invisalign^® for teens: Our teen patients are always excited to hear they qualify for Invisalign^® clear aligners. These discreet aligners allow your teen to smile all the way through their treatment.

Invisalign^® for teens comes with special blue wear indicators to help your teen remember to wear their custom aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours a day. Beyond that, they can take their aligners out for meals, selfies and brushing and flossing.

Damon braces: Damon braces come in clear and metal finishes. The clear braces help your teen’s treatment blend in with their smile. Both types of braces are self-ligating, which means they require fewer adjustments and office visits during treatment.