Early orthodontics for young smiles
"This was easily the best experience of dental appointment for my 7 year old daughter." - Stella Q
From our family to yours: dedicated care for your child's teeth
For decades, our family has been dedicated to providing exceptional orthodontic care to patients living in Oakwood, Enfield, Southgate and Hadley Wood, creating beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.
Our heritage
With generations of expertise, we bring exceptional skill and a personal touch to early orthodontic care, setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
A family approach
We treat every patient with the care and warmth of family, building trust and comfort from the very first visit.
Modern techniques
Blending traditional care with advanced orthodontics including Invisalign, designed to suit your child’s lifestyle, helping them live life to the fullest.
Personalised care
We tailor every treatment to your child’s unique needs, ensuring their journey to a healthy, confident smile is as comfortable as possible.
Rated 4.9 stars on Google by 230+ happy patients
We're proud to help our patients smile with confidence. Here’s what some of our happy patients have to say about their experience with The Oakwood Clinic in North London.
Your specialist team
Meet our specialist orthodontists, Paroo and Sarah. With over 1,000 smile transformations between them, they are dedicated to providing exceptional care for your child’s dental journey.
For Paroo, orthodontics is not just about solving dental problems; it’s about changing people’s lives. She is qualified to treat extremely complex cases and has conducted research on the impact of thumb sucking on teeth.
Paroo is a Platinum Invisalign provider with extensive experience in cosmetic braces. She personally oversees each patient’s journey, aiming to bring joy and confidence through a beautiful smile.
Sarah is a Specialist Orthodontist at The Oakwood Clinic. Her passion for orthodontics developed from her own treatment as a child, understanding the importance of accessible care and the confidence a great smile brings.
She personalises treatment for lasting results and leads Orthodontics at the Royal Free Hospital.
View our smile gallery
Early orthodontic treatment options at The Oakwood Clinic
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 child's teeth and treat a variety of orthodontic issues. There are no diet restrictions and the young children tend to cope really well!
Ceramic Fixed Braces
Made with clear or tooth-coloured brackets, ceramic fixed braces blend with your child’s natural teeth while offering effective treatment. Like metal braces, they use brackets and wires to straighten teeth, but with less visibility. Ceramic braces are a great option for children wanting a more subtle solution with excellent results.
Metal Fixed Braces
Metal fixed braces are a reliable and effective option for children and teens needing orthodontic treatment. The custom-fit braces use metal brackets and wires to gradually straighten teeth over time. While there are some food restrictions, metal braces are known for their durability and can deliver great results for lasting smiles.
Removable Applicance
Removable appliances offer a flexible option for your child’s orthodontic treatment. Custom-made and easy to take out for eating and cleaning, they gently guide teeth into place while addressing mild orthodontic issues. Convenient, discreet, and comfortable, they’re a great choice for young patients.
Clues your child may benefit from early orthodontics
Crossbite
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.
No space
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 orthodontics can sometimes help avoid the need for extractions.
Baby teeth lost early
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.
Goofy teeth
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.
Thumb sucking habit
When a thumb/finger sucking 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 confidence
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.
Your child’s early orthodontics journey with us
We aim to make every visit to The Oakwood Clinic a positive experience, ensuring your child feels comfortable and confident throughout their orthodontic journey.
Free consultation
Give us a call at The Oakwood Clinic to chat about your child’s smile goals and ask any questions. We’ll then arrange a convenient time for a free consultation at our North London clinic. During the visit, we’ll take photos, perform a scan, and discuss your child’s orthodontic options.
Smile assessment
Our orthodontist will take the time to discuss your child’s medical history and address any concerns about their smile. They’ll carry out a thorough examination, check their gums to ensure everything is healthy, and review the necessary scans and photos. You’ll then receive a personalised treatment plan with professional advice.
Post-consultation & treatment plan
Once the consultation is complete, we’ll email you a detailed treatment plan and estimate of costs for approval. After you’ve confirmed, we’ll schedule the next appointment to either fit braces or begin the process for Invisalign aligners. We’re here to make the journey as smooth and easy as possible!
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to some of the most common questions about our early orthodontic services for children and teens at The Oakwood Clinic.
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.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
It’s recommended to see an orthodontist around the age of 7, as this is when signs of potential orthodontic problems, like bite issues or crowding, start to show. Early assessment allows for the best timing for treatment.
Can early orthodontics prevent the need for tooth extractions?
Yes, in some cases, early orthodontics can create space for adult teeth, potentially avoiding the need for extractions. By addressing issues early, we can prevent teeth from coming in crooked or out of alignment.
How long does early orthodontics treatment take?
Early orthodontics treatment typically lasts 6-12 months, depending on your child’s specific needs. The goal is to address immediate concerns, making future treatment simpler and quicker.
Is early orthodontics painful?
Early orthodontics is generally not painful, though some children may experience mild discomfort when wearing braces or aligners as their teeth begin to shift. This discomfort typically goes away after a few days.
Will my child need additional treatment after early orthodontics?
In many cases, yes. Early treatment helps guide teeth and jaw development, but as your child’s permanent teeth come in, they may need additional treatment, such as full braces, to perfect their smile.
Start your child’s smile journey
Ready to help your child achieve a confident smile? Book a free consultation at our North London clinic today.
