Orthodontic Care for Young Patients
Orthodontic Care For Young Patients
When is the right time for my child to visit an orthodontist?
Parents and guardians frequently inquire, “When should my child visit an orthodontist?” While braces are commonly linked with teenagers and increasingly with adult teeth alignment, it may come as a surprise that children as young as seven can derive advantages from early orthodontic intervention.
Nevertheless, not every seven-year-old should promptly seek orthodontic consultation. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for them, during which the dentist monitors their dental health and identifies any issues that could benefit from early orthodontic treatment.
Is My Child Eligible for NHS Treatment?
If your dentist identifies any orthodontic issues with your child’s teeth, they will refer you to an orthodontist for an NHS assessment. These assessments are provided free of charge, and during the appointment, the orthodontist will evaluate your child’s smile to determine
1) if orthodontic treatment is necessary and
2) if they qualify for NHS treatment. This assessment is conducted using a scoring system known as the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IoTN).
We Provide Orthodontic Care for Children Ineligible for NHS Treatment
At Bristol Dental Specialists, we do not offer NHS orthodontic services for children. Instead, our focus is on treating children with complex orthodontic issues or those denied NHS treatment based on the NHS IoTN scale. This entails private orthodontic treatment, which is not covered by the NHS.
Additionally, we cater to children who meet NHS treatment criteria but encounter lengthy waiting periods, seek a variety of brace options, or simply prefer consultation with a specialist orthodontist of their preference.
What Are the Key Advantages of Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Certain issues can be addressed more effectively during childhood. As we age, our jawbone ceases to grow and solidifies, making orthodontic treatment somewhat more challenging.
Commencing treatment at a young age provides the opportunity to influence jawbone growth and adjust the position and width of the jawbones. Unfortunately, this option is not available for adults, and alternative solutions may involve surgical procedures or tooth extractions.
Initiating treatment while the adult teeth are erupting also enables us to ensure adequate space and proper alignment upon emergence.
Opening Hours
Monday 8.00am – 7.00pm
Tuesday 8.00am – 7.00pm
Wednesday 8.00am – 7.00pm
Thursday 8.00am – 7.00pm
Friday 8.00am – 5.00pm
Saturday By arrangement only
Sunday Closed
Bristol Dental Specialists Ltd Registered in England & Wales company number 11696017
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