Treatment by age · children
Orthodontics For Kids Winchester
We recommend a first orthodontic assessment at around age 7, when children have a mix of baby and adult teeth and early signs of crowding, bite problems or jaw growth concerns can be spotted. Early treatment usually lasts 12–24 months — but often we simply monitor growth and step in at the ideal time.
- First assessment
- Around age 7
- Treatment often starts
- Between 9 and 14
- Early treatment
- 12–24 months on average
- Options
- Twin block, Spark Junior, braces
- Consultation
- Free
- Treated by
- A specialist orthodontist
How it works
What does the process involve?
Initial consultation
A full orthodontic assessment with our specialist team.
Treatment planning
We recommend the best course of action for your child’s stage of development.
Fitting & monitoring
We gently fit the appliance or braces, then review in person or through DentalMonitoring™.
Retention
Retainers keep the new smile in place.
Early orthodontic care can help guide your child’s smile as it develops — making future treatment more effective and less complex. At Winchester Orthodontic Practice, our specialist team offers a gentle, personalised approach to children’s orthodontics, helping young patients feel at ease while laying the foundations for a healthy, confident smile.
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
We recommend an orthodontic assessment around the age of 7. At this stage, children typically have a mix of baby and adult teeth, and we can spot early signs of crowding, bite problems, or jaw growth concerns. Early detection doesn’t always mean immediate treatment — but it allows us to monitor development and intervene at the ideal time.
Common Orthodontic Issues in Children
- Overbite or underbite
- Crowding or gaps
- Crossbite or open bite
- Prolonged thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
Treatment Options for Children
We offer a full range of child-friendly orthodontic treatments designed to guide jaw development and tooth positioning:
- Fixed Functional Appliances – Correct jaw alignment and bite issues during growth
- Removable Twin Block Appliances – A removable option for guiding jaw development, especially useful in growing children
- Traditional Metal Braces – A reliable and effective option for early treatment
- Dental Monitoring – Enables remote progress tracking via smartphone
What Does the Process Involve?
- Initial Consultation: A full orthodontic assessment with our specialist team
- Treatment Planning: We’ll recommend the best course of action based on your child’s stage of development
- Appliance Fitting: We gently fit the recommended appliance or braces
- Ongoing Monitoring: Via in-person reviews or our Dental Monitoring app
- Retention Phase: We provide retainers to help keep their new smile in place
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Treatment duration varies depending on the type of appliance used and your child’s stage of growth. On average, early interventions last 12–24 months, followed by a period of wearing retainers to maintain results. If no immediate treatment is required, we’ll offer regular reviews as your child grows.
Finance & Payment Options
We believe every child should have access to expert orthodontic care. That’s why we offer a variety of flexible payment options:
- Interest-free payment plans over 12, 18, or 24 months
- Small initial deposit to get started
- Option to pay in full for complete peace of mind
For full details, please visit our Fees & Finance page.
Is My Child Too Young for Braces?
Not necessarily. While many children begin treatment between ages 9 and 14, early assessments allow us to monitor development and step in if intervention is needed. Even if treatment isn’t required right away, we can guide you on the best time to begin.
Families on Google
“Great practice, very professional providing braces for my teenage son, excellent cosmetic result. Always friendly and timely with appointments.”
“So pleased with the whole process for my son’s braces. Always really relaxed and all of the team are so helpful & friendly. Always easy to contact and quick to respond to any queries. We are almost at the end of his braces journey and I have recommend the team throughout and will continue to do so!”
What age should my child have their first orthodontic assessment?
We recommend booking an initial consultation around age 7 to assess growth and detect any early concerns.
Does early treatment mean my child won’t need braces later?
Not always. Early intervention can shorten or simplify future treatment but may not replace the need for full braces during adolescence.
Will my child be in pain during treatment?
Children may experience some mild discomfort when appliances are first fitted or adjusted, but this usually settles within a few days.
Book your child’s first assessment
Find out at a free 30-minute consultation with a specialist orthodontist. Also compare the twin block, Spark Junior and myofunctional appliances.