How to Know if Your Child Needs Braces Early-On in the UK

As parents, many of us want our children to grow up in the best of health. That’s not limited to just functional health, though. Rather, we want the best of “aesthetic health” for them as well. And a big part of it is a confident smile.

However, our teeth tend to dance to their own tune. And end up giving us a smile that we’re not too proud to show. Hence, many parents wish to learn about child braces or other early treatments that can resolve any misalignment issues before the jaw matures.

Now, the predicament parents face is completely understandable. To help them out, we’re exploring when kids should get braces, the common children’s teeth alignment issues, and the benefits of early orthodontic treatment.

Early Signs a Child Needs Braces

First, let’s address when should kids get braces.

You see, some children’s teeth alignment issues are quite visible. You can clearly see the problem, hence it’s clear they need treatment. But sometimes, the issues are not so visible, but can lead to more severe misalignment as the jaw matures.

So, ensure you catch the problem right at the start. Here are some early signs a child needs braces.

• Crowded or overlapping teeth: When teeth don’t have enough space to grow properly.
• Large gaps between teeth: This can affect the way permanent teeth come in.
• Overbite or underbite: Noticeable when your child’s top or bottom teeth stick out more than usual.
• Crossbite: When teeth don’t align properly and the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.
• Difficulty chewing or biting: If your child struggles with eating due to their bite.
• Mouth breathing or thumb sucking: Habits that can impact jaw development and alignment.

Now, if you’re vigilant and see some of these signs, do consult a dentist without delay. They let you know the best orthodontic treatment for kids in the UK. However, many parents are not comfortable with the idea of braces. They are hard to manage, require several visits to the dentist’s office, and come with many food restrictions. Plus, they are quite costly.

In this case, you can try clear aligners. Especially the at-home options like Caspersmile or Smile White. They are discreet, very easy to manage, give you full control of the treatment, and are way more affordable. Here’s more on clear aligners if you wish to explore.

At What Age Should Kids Get Braces

Besides the issues that need to be treated, parents are also concerned about the right age of starting a teeth straightening process. Most ask for the braces age recommendation in the UK.

According to the NHS, an orthodontic treatment is usually only started after most of a child's adult teeth have started to come through . And that means between the ages of 11 and 13. However, the green signal for orthodontic treatments for kids in the UK also depends on how many adult teeth have come through, the growth of their face and jaws, and the level of their oral hygiene.

That is why early assessments are necessary. They help orthodontists plan for the future, ensuring treatment is timed at the most effective stage of growth.

The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

We’ve discussed the when. Now, let’s explore the why.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the benefits of early orthodontic treatment for kids in the UK.

• Guides jaw growth: Early intervention can help correct jaw development before problems worsen.
• Reduces the risk of tooth extraction: Addressing crowding early may prevent the need for removing permanent teeth later.
• Improves bite function: A proper bite makes chewing and speaking easier.
• Boosts self-esteem: Correcting visible issues can give children confidence in their smile.
• Prevents complex treatments later: Fixing issues early can reduce the length and complexity of future orthodontic treatment.

Many parents in the UK find that investing in early treatment saves both time and money in the long run.

Orthodontic Treatment for Kids in the UK

If you’ve noticed early signs of misalignment in your child’s teeth, the first thing you should do is book a consultation with a dentist or orthodontist. In the UK, orthodontic treatment for kids can be available through the NHS if the issues are classified as severe enough under the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN).

That said, if the issue is mild or moderate, or it’s just a cosmetic improvement, a private treatment might be a better option. NHS might not cover it, or even if it does, the waiting time might be quite long. In contrast, treatments like at home clear aligners are faster and more flexible.

Here’s a detailed comparison between braces and invisible aligners to give you a better idea.

What Happens During an Early Orthodontic Assessment for Child Braces?

The first step is an early orthodontic assessment for child braces. Here, a dentist or orthodontist will take a look at the condition of your child’s teeth and recommend a treatment based on that. That is only if there’s a need for a treatment.

An early orthodontic assessment usually involves:

• Checking children’s teeth alignment issues like crowding, spacing, or bite problems.
• Reviewing your child’s jaw growth and how it might affect tooth positioning.
• Taking X-rays or impressions if needed.
• Explaining whether braces are recommended now, or if treatment can wait until more teeth develop.

With this proactive step, parents can have peace of mind and a clear plan for managing their child’s dental health.

Supporting Your Child Through the Process

This is quite important. You see, children are not always enthusiastic about orthodontic treatments. We, as adults, might understand the need, but kids are usually scared of the process.

That’s why you have to encourage them as a parent. Talk to them about how healthier smiles can impact them positively. Explain the issues to them. And stay calm while doing so. Forcing them to do something won’t cut it. Moreover, you can also personalize braces to add a little fun element. Or, you can go for clear aligners since they aren’t intimidating at all.

Set the Foundation of Your Child’s Oral Health

Here’s all on how to know if your child needs braces early on in the UK. While misalignment might start showing up early, the braces age recommendation in the UK typically falls between 11 and 13 years. However, do consult a dentist early on to know what treatment to go for and when.

Besides that, here are 7 more ways to improve your child's dental health .

In a nutshell, don’t neglect children’s teeth aligment issues. With early treatment, you save your kids from much thorough and costly treatments later on.

FAQs

1. What is the earliest age to get braces UK?

2. How early can you tell if a kid needs braces?

3. How many appointments does it take before getting braces?

4. How many orthodontist appointments before braces in the UK?