Children’s Braces in Greystones

The Orthodontic Society of Ireland recommends that you bring your child for an orthodontic assessment at approximately seven or eight years of age. Some children may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation as young as age five or six, and others can wait until the baby teeth have fallen out and the permanent teeth are coming into place at 11 or 12 years.

Orthodontic treatment most commonly begins between ages eight and 14. Children in this age range have at least some permanent teeth and are still growing. Your specialist orthodontist will advise you on the most appropriate time to start any treatment.

Tooth and jaw issues are often inherited. Some problems can be caused by losing baby teeth too soon, habits such as thumb-sucking, or as a result of accidents. If there is not enough room in the jaws for the teeth, they become crowded or crooked.

Crooked, crowded or misaligned teeth can be hard to keep clean, potentially leading to decay and gum disease. Misaligned teeth can also often interfere with a healthy bite, which can lead to excessive tooth wear, jaw problems, or chipped teeth.

The process of fitting braces is not painful. Some discomfort is to be expected for a period after appliances are fitted for the first time or after they have been tightened. However, this usually settles after a few days.

Treatment typically lasts 12-24 months, depending on individual requirements. Regular visits for adjustment and progress review will vary in frequency from every five to eight weeks, according to the treatment stage. Following treatment, your child will be advised to use a fixed or removable retainer to keep the teeth in their new position.