Teen & Children's Braces - Modern Braces

at Dentalcare Swindon Orthodontics

Swindon Orthodontics accept children's orthodontic referrals

Dental braces can be worn at any age, but we generally wait until children are about 12 years old in order to check on most of their adult teeth and how they are coming through. Treatment at this age is also beneficial because a child’s mouth and jaw are still growing.

We check to see whether there might be any problems with:

  • Overcrowding
  • Crookedness
  • Gaps in the teeth
  • Bite – including overbite, under bite, cross bite and open bite

At Dentalcare Swindon Orthodontics, we will only see children for an orthodontic asssessment if they have been sent to us on a referral basis from their dentist. We are however, happy to accept them as a private referral if they do not qualify under the NHS.

Book an appointment for your child at Swindon Orthodontics and Orthodontics

NHS braces for children in Swindon

Orthodontic braces are available on the NHS to children under the age of 18, but they are subject to certain conditions. Demand for orthodontic treatment on the NHS is high and so there can often be a long waiting list too.

The orthodontic profession have developed indicators of treatment need and outcome in order to assess the efficacy of appropriateness of care. The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) is the most widely used. It is typical for moderate to severe orthodontic conditions to qualify for treatment under the NHS. Read more about the type of appliances available on the British Orthodontic Society (BOS) website by clicking here.

If your child doesn’t qualify for NHS treatment or you prefer aesthetic braces, you can choose to pay for your child to have braces privately​.

Are braces worth it and do they work?

You don’t have to have orthodontic treatment, but by doing so, you will be making the most of your teeth and smile. Straighter teeth will make them easier to clean, and an improvement to your bite will mean that your teeth bite together better, and you can eat more comfortably.

Teeth and gums will need to be in a healthy condition before having orthodontic treatment, and they need to be maintained and cleaned to a avoid getting tooth decay or gum disease.

Orthodontics can also be used to help with problems to the jaw and in some cases cleft lip and cleft lip palate.