Walpole Specialist Orthodontic Practice

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Treatment for Children & Teens

Orthodontic treatment exclusively for children and teens

We like to meet patients at age eight to nine years, so that we can plan the best time for starting treatment. This is especially important if facial growth guidance is needed.

An early diagnosis and treatment of certain problems can dramatically reduce the amount of treatment needed. We are, of course, happy to meet your child/teenager at whatever point you or your dentist seek our specialist opinion.

We also welcome patients who are new to the area for continuing orthodontic care. The most common timing for treatment is around age ten to twelve and may involve one or several types of brace immediately succeeding each other to completion of treatment (see types of brace below). For some patients we will use a short phase of treatment (6-12 months) with removable appliances before all the adult teeth are through – at around age eight to ten. All of the following treatments can be suitable for young people.

Removable braces are barely visible when worn. They help to widen narrow, crowded top jaws, giving extra space for the adult teeth to grow into the correct position avoiding extractions of adult teeth.
	I am very happy with the result. .. Two of my front teeth were turned in before and now I have completely straight teeth. All the staff were really nice and helpful.

Functional braces straighten teeth that stick out, giving an improved profile.
	I had a severe problem with a receding lower jaw. This was disfiguring and made me feel very self conscious. The treatment I received has completely solved my problem.

Functional braces can influence the amount of gum showing when patients smile (the individual positions of the teeth are detailed later with fixed appliances once all the adult teeth have grown into the mouth).

Orthopaedic therapy (functional braces) can also correct reverse bites and improve profiles.

Fixed braces (braces positioned on the teeth) including silver, gold, and multi-coloured. This popular option suits many teenagers especially with the addition of colours to brighten up the brace or the gold braces which can be an attractive alternative.
		My treatment so far has been very good. Sharon and her staff have been very helpful.

Low friction fixed braces (such as Damon, Innovation and Carriere). This new technology now allows increased choice for us to provide the best treatment for each patient’s dental arrangement. They are another type of metal brace which can speed up some treatments.