Paediatric Orthodontic Treatments

Signs your child may need orthodontic treatment include crowded or overlapping teeth, noticeable gaps, front teeth that stick out, or a bite that doesn’t line up properly (such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite). You might also notice chewing or speech difficulties, frequent cheek biting, adult teeth coming through in the wrong place, or the jaw looking off-centre when they close their mouth. Habits like prolonged thumb sucking and issues like mouth breathing or snoring can also affect how the bite develops, so it’s worth getting an assessment if any of these sound familiar.

Keeping teeth clean with braces takes a bit more effort, but it’s very manageable with the right routine. Brush carefully around the brackets and along the gumline twice a day, using a small-headed toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste, and take a little extra time in the evening. Cleaning between the teeth is just as important, so use interdental brushes (the little “pipe cleaner” ones) and/or floss with a threader or orthodontic floss to get under the wire. A fluoride mouthwash at a different time to brushing can help, especially if your child is prone to decay, and regular dental check-ups and professional cleans keep everything on track. The goal is to avoid plaque build-up around brackets, which can cause white marks, cavities, and sore gums.

Braces usually don’t “change” a child’s face in a dramatic way. Most of the time, they guide the teeth into better positions, which can slightly improve the smile and lip support, so the face can look more balanced.

In children who are still growing, certain orthodontic appliances (not standard braces alone) can help guide jaw growth if there’s a significant overbite, underbite, or narrow upper jaw. Even then, the aim is a natural improvement in how the jaws meet and how the bite functions, not a radical change in appearance.

Your orthodontist should explain what type of movement is planned (teeth only vs growth guidance) and what, if any, visible changes you might expect for your child.

Braces can feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s usually mild and temporary. Most children feel pressure or soreness for a few days after braces are fitted and after adjustments, as the teeth start to move. The first 24–72 hours are often the most noticeable, and it typically settles within about a week.

You can help by giving soft foods for a couple of days, using orthodontic wax if anything rubs, and taking an age-appropriate pain reliever if needed. If your child has sharp poking wires, ulcers that won’t settle, or pain that keeps getting worse rather than better, it’s worth contacting the clinic to have it checked.