Braces for Kids

“I’ve had Invisalign, I’ve loved it”

- Iman age 11

What are the advantages of early orthodontics?

Reduce the risk of trauma to teeth that stick out or teeth being damaged by an uneven bite
Create space for the adult teeth to come through
Can avoid the need to extract adult teeth as a part of orthodontic treatment
Avoids more complex treatment in the future
Improves your child’s confidence and self esteem

WHAT IS EARLY ORTHODONTICS

Early Orthodontics (or Interceptive Orthodontics) is typically done when a child is between 8-10 years old and has a mixture of adult and baby teeth. Young children can have Invisalign, removable braces or fixed braces to improve their teeth at a young age. The orthodontist will assess your child and suggest the most appropriate brace for your child

INVISALIGN FIRST

Invisalign First is very similar to the invisalign braces teens and adults have. The brace is adapted to fit well over small teeth and accommodate new adult teeth as they come into the mouth. The aligners are custom made to fit over your childs teeth and treat a variety of orthodontic issues. There are no diet restrictions and the young children tend to cope really well!

PRICE

Brace treatment can be split into 2 stages, Phase 1 (8-10 years), and Phase 2 (12-14 years) which is done when the adult teeth all come through. If Phase 1 is done, the second stage is usually quite simple and is generally a short treatment to perfect the smile.

The total price of both Phase 1 and Phase 2 is usually between £4500-£5500. Phase 1 is £3000 and the balance is paid at Phase 2 if the child wants/needs further brace treatment.

Clues your child may benefit from early orthodontics

One or more top teeth bite behind the lower teeth. This can cause damage to the top and bottom front teeth every time the child bites. Early orthodontics will push the top teeth over the bottom ones to eliminate any trauma. This will also make brace treatment a lot easier when the child is older.

Teeth growing out of line. If the adult teeth have no space to come through, then they will often erupt out of line, often completely excluded from the arch. This often means the child may need to have adult teeth extracted to line everything up. Early orthodontic can sometimes help avoid the need for extractions

Early loss of some baby teeth. If baby teeth are lost too soon (often because of decay), the adult teeth coming through can shift into the space. This can often block the adult tooth coming through completely or force it out of line. Early orthodontics can hold the space open or reopen the space

Top teeth stick out giving a goofy appearance. Children who play sports are much more likely to break their teeth if they stick out. Early orthodontics can pull the teeth back so they are at reduced risk of trauma if they fall. When teeth stick out, the lower lip is often ‘trapped’ behind the upper teeth. Early orthodontics to eliminate this ‘lip trap’ can help the teeth and jaw develop more favourably.

A thumb/finger sucking habit. When the habit persists into the school years, there is a much higher chance that the teeth will be affected. Dr Mistry carried out research on the effects of thumb sucking on the teeth and has presented her work widely. Early orthodontics can correct the damage early on to make brace treatment easier later on.

Low self-esteem. Many children are very self conscious about their wonky teeth and are not offered treatment until they are older. Early orthodontics can improve the appearance of the teeth enough to give a child more confidence as they grow and wait for their comprehensive brace treatment.

About Paroo

Dr Paroo Mistry | GDC No. 80561 | BDS MFDS RCS (Eng) MSc MOrth RCS (Eng) FDS(Orth) RCS (Eng)

With over 10 years in treating complex orthodontic cases, Dr Paroo Mistry is a specialist in straightening teeth and helping people get the smile they want. For Paroo, orthodontics is not just about solving dental problems; it’s about changing people’s lives.

Paroo qualified as a dentist from Bristol University in 2002. Following this, she carried out a three-year full time postgraduate training in orthodontics where she gained further experience and qualifications to become a Specialist Orthodontist.

Paroo then undertook two further years of study working at The Royal London and Great Ormond Street Hospitals to become a Consultant Orthodontist, marking her out as a leader in her field. As a consultant, Paroo trains future orthodontists and supervises the clinical work of trainees and specialist orthodontists. It also means she is qualified to treat extremely complex cases.

She also carried out research into the thumb sucking habit and its effect on teeth. As a result, Paroo appeared on TV and radio to discuss her findings, and she co-wrote the British Orthodontic Society patient information leaflet on thumb sucking and dummy sucking habits.

Paroo has been a member of the National Dental Awards judging panel since 2006, which recognises excellence in dentistry within the UK.

Paroo is a Platinum provider of the Invisalign appliance with a great deal of experience treating a wide variety of cases with cosmetic braces.

With each patient, Paroo personally oversees every step of the process, from the initial assessment right through to the end of the journey. Her mission is to spark inner joy in her patients and give them a reason and freedom to smile.

About Sarah

Mrs Sarah Lee | GDC No. 79188 | BDS MSc (Ortho) MFDS MOrth FDS RCS Eng Cert Med Ed

Sarah is a specialist Orthodontist at The Oakwood Clinic. This means she has completed an extended period of training in orthodontics in addition to her general dental training and is registered as a specialist with the General Dental Council. She has achieved the highest level of training in orthodontics in the UK and can manage all the complexities of Orthodontic treatment to bring the best of her training to each and every case.

Sarah takes time to personalise her treatment options for each patient, responding to their needs so they can make well informed choices and achieve long lasting smiles. Her passion for orthodontics developed from her own treatment as a child: she understands the importance of accessing care and the meaning and confidence that comes from a great smile.

Sarah was accepted for three years specialist training at Newcastle University where in 2008 she gained her MSc and MOrth qualification with the Royal College of Surgeons to become a Specialist Orthodontist. Sarah then entered a further two years of training to become a Consultant in Orthodontics meaning that Sarah has achieved the highest level of training in orthodontics in the UK.

Sarah is a certified provider of Invisalign and can offer a wide range of aesthetic appliances. She is the lead for Orthodontics at the Royal Free Hospital, based at the Chase Farm site. Sarah is a member of the British Orthodontic Society. She has a deep-seated commitment to evidence-based Orthodontics and a passion for teaching. Having gained her certificate in Medical Education she trains future Orthodontic Specialists, working in collaboration with the Royal London Hospital. Her passion for shared learning extends to her role as Chair of the Enfield and Barnet Orthodontic Managed Clinical Network working with providers across the region.

When not at work Sarah enjoys the great outdoors and spending time with her family and two young daughters.