At One44 Dental in Wickersley, Rotherham, we know how important it is to support your child’s smile as they grow. Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about achieving straight teeth—it’s about long-term oral health, facial balance, and confidence. In this blog, we explore the various orthodontic options available for children and teenagers, and why starting early can make all the difference.
1. Braces in the UK: A Familiar Journey for Many Families
Orthodontic treatment has long been a rite of passage for many children in the UK. In fact, thousands of children begin braces treatment each year, either through NHS services or private care. According to the British Orthodontic Society, over 200,000 children and teens start orthodontic treatment annually. The reasons vary—from crooked teeth and overbites to spacing and jaw issues—but the goals remain the same: to create healthy, functional, and confident smiles.
At One44 Dental, we offer private orthodontic care that allows families access to a wider range of treatment options with shorter waiting times, evening appointments, and the flexibility to choose what works best for their child.
2. Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Matters
Starting treatment early doesn’t always mean starting braces early. But assessing the development of your child’s teeth and jaws can help us intervene at the right time. Between the ages of 7-11, a child’s jaws are still growing. This growth window can be used to our advantage to guide the development of the teeth and jaws in a favourable direction.
Functional appliances, such as Twin Blocks, are used in growing children to help align the jaws and improve bite function. This can reduce the severity of orthodontic issues later and may even eliminate the need for extractions or jaw surgery in the future. Similarly, devices like Rapid Maxillary Expanders can be used to gently widen the upper jaw, improving breathing, reducing crowding, and allowing for better alignment of the adult teeth as they come through.
Early intervention can:
Reduce or eliminate the need for extractions
Improve jaw alignment and facial development
Address habits like thumb sucking
Create space for adult teeth
Prevent more complex treatment later
3. Invisalign: A Discreet Option for Teens
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic option for image-conscious teens who want straighter teeth without visible braces. These clear aligners are custom-made using digital scans and gently move the teeth into their desired position over time.
With Invisalign Teen, there are features specifically designed for growing mouths:
Eruption tabs to accommodate new teeth
Compliance indicators to track wear time
Up to six free replacement aligners if they go missing
Aligners are removable, meaning your child can continue to eat all their favourite foods and brush and floss as normal. This makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment.
Plus, at One44 Dental, our iTero scanner creates a 3D image of your child’s teeth—allowing us to show you a simulation of their potential future smile before treatment even begins.
4. Fixed Braces: Tried, Tested, and Better Than Ever
Fixed braces have come a long way from the bulky metal train tracks of years gone by. Today’s braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more effective. We offer both traditional metal and more discreet ceramic options that blend in with the natural colour of teeth.
Benefits of modern fixed braces:
Precise control of tooth movement
Effective for more complex bite problems
Bonded to the teeth, so no chance of losing them!
Available in ceramic for a less visible look
Fixed braces remain the gold standard for comprehensive orthodontic treatment, especially when more detailed adjustments are needed.
5. What Happens at the First Orthodontic Appointment?
Your child’s first visit is about getting to know them and understanding their smile. At One44 Dental, we make this appointment as friendly and informative as possible.
Here’s what you can expect:
Consultation: A relaxed discussion about concerns, goals, and history
Clinical Examination: Checking teeth, bite, and jaw alignment
Orthodontic Assessment: Measuring crowding, overbites, spacing, etc.
Digital iTero Scan: A 3D image of your child’s teeth
Photographs and X-rays: As needed, to assess development
Smile Preview: If considering Invisalign, we can show a before-and-after simulation
Following this, we’ll provide a tailored treatment plan outlining your child’s options, timelines, and next steps.
6. Why Choose One44 Dental for Your Child’s Braces?
We understand that choosing an orthodontic provider is a big decision for your family. Here’s what sets One44 Dental apart:
0% Finance Options: Spread the cost of treatment with interest-free monthly payments
Evening Appointments: Flexibility for busy school and work schedules
Regular Check-Ins: Consistent support throughout treatment
5-Star Reviews: Trusted by families across Rotherham
Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees, just clear plans
Family-Friendly Environment: We create a welcoming space where children feel at ease
We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality orthodontic care with warmth, honesty, and clinical excellence.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Book a consultation today at One44 Dental in Wickersley and discover how we can help your child achieve a confident, healthy smile. Whether you’re exploring braces for the first time or looking for a second opinion, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Click HERE to Book Online!
FAQs
At what age should my child get braces?
Most children start orthodontic treatment between the ages of 10 and 14, when their permanent teeth have come in but the jaw is still growing.
Are Invisalign® aligners effective for teenagers?
Yes, Invisalign® is designed for teenagers and includes features like eruption tabs to allow for growing teeth and compliance indicators to track wear time.
What happens if my child loses an Invisalign® tray?
We can order a replacement tray, but it’s best to keep the previous aligner so they have something to wear in the meantime. Remind them to always store aligners in their case when not wearing them.
Do fixed braces hurt?
There might be some discomfort when braces are first fitted or adjusted, but it usually settles within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods can help ease the transition.
Can my child switch from fixed braces to Invisalign® or vice versa?
In some cases, yes—but it depends on the individual treatment plan. Speak to your dentist to understand your child’s options.