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If you’re looking for an orthodontist for your child, you might be wondering when and where to start. By the time your child reaches their teens, all their adult teeth will have come through, so it will be apparent if there are any bite or alignment issues. If there seem to be any problems, this is usually the stage at which you’d visit an orthodontist.
Teenage orthodontic consultations
Every child is different, and therefore our advice about when to visit an orthodontist depends on your child’s particular issues. Your dentist would usually suggest a referral to an orthodontist, and this would typically happen between the ages of 10-14 years-old.
What happens during a teenage orthodontic consultation?
Our specialist orthodontist, Dr Marie Heintz will carry out a detailed check-up, to assess whether or not your child needs to have treatment. Dr Heintz is highly experienced in managing childhood bite, jaw and alignment problems and will discuss the best options. You’ll be involved from the beginning, to ensure that the type of treatment suggested is suited to you and your child.
How long does teenage orthodontic treatment typically take?
Like any type of treatment, there’s no definitive time. It may take only a few months, or up to a couple of years depending on the issue. However, you will start to see progress within a few weeks of starting treatment.
Can an overbite, underbite or overcrowded teeth cause problems with dental hygiene?
We always suggest opting for orthodontic treatment if your child has teeth that aren’t straight, or there are issues with bite. Ignoring these common problems can cause issues with oral health later on, when the teeth can become worn, and even fragile. Straight and even teeth are also easier to clean, which reduces the likelihood of gum disease and tooth decay in the future.
What are the options for teenage teeth straightening?
As a parent you’ll be aware that certain stages during adolescence can be hard. This is often due to the emotional and physical changes taking place, which can affect your teen’s self-esteem, and confidence.
If your child is anxious about how braces might look or feel, there are many alternative options to traditional fixed braces, some of which we explore here.
Making an appointment with an orthodontist
A consultation is the best way of exploring the different orthodontic treatments for your child. To find out more or make an appointment at our London clinic, please call 020 7244 4200 or make an appointment online.
Teenager before and after 18 months of treatment
