Early orthodontic treatment

When should my child see a Specialist Orthodontist?

It is best to have your child come in for an initial orthodontic consultation around the ages of 7-9 years old. At this age, your child’s back molars have most likely grown in, and their bite has been established. It is a perfect time for a Specialist Orthodontist to assess their smile.

While your child may not need any treatment at this age, we can screen for potential issues and plan the best time to treat them in the future. By doing this, we can catch issues before they begin, saving you time and money on costly treatments later in your child’s life.

Invisalign® First for children

You may be pleased to know that we can provide Invisalign® clear aligners to children as young as 7 years old. Invisalign® First is a special treatment programme tailored specifically to children. It’s designed specifically with growing jaws in mind, and allows space for their current and incoming teeth. Invisalign® clear aligners are made of smooth plastic, and are gentle on your child’s cheeks and gums. They can also remove their aligners to eat and practice proper oral hygiene.

Carriere® 3D Motion Appliance

Your Specialist Orthodontist may suggest your child begin treatment with a Carriere® 3D Motion Appliance to address misalignments before they start braces or Invisalign® treatment.

A Carriere® 3D Motion Appliance is a smooth, sleek, metal appliance that attaches to the upper canine tooth and permanent first molar on each side of your child’s mouth. We will link the Carriere® Appliance to the lower teeth using rubber bands and tooth anchors. Using gentle pressure, the Carriere® Appliance can address misalignments in your child’s back teeth and reduce the time they will need to spend later in braces or aligners.