Braces for Kids

[Margarita45]

Wondering if anyone has experience of braces for their kids…we been advised quite early that DS 9 will need braces in his teens. I can’t seem to find much info out there apart from the fact that the NHS only covers the cost of metal fixed braces.

We’ve had a look at ceramic (clear) fixed braces and think that might be the way to go since he’s already super conscious about his teeth. I know the ceramic ones are more expensive, but I can’t find out if the NHS contribute the cost of the metal ones and we pay for the difference? Or if it’s a case of nothing is covered if we don’t take the metal braces.

Im trying to find out early as they’ve suggested Invisalign first for him now to start the process of moving some teeth rather than waiting till all his adult teeth are in, but this isn’t covered at all. But it may be we’d have to pay for both sets…

What mine have had is called orthotropics and us relatively new in the UK and frowned on by some dentists. No adult teeth are removed.

Our dentist refuses to fit permanent fixed retailers too. He says there's no way you can properly clean your teeth with one on. I presume he means floss properly.

Orthotropics is not new in the U.K. but let's say it has a somewhat controversial history . You may want to look up "Mewing" .

my youngest had a crossbite and underbite and began tx at age 8.
they started with an expander to stretch out the upper part of his mouth.
that was in place for some time
then the waiting began as further treatment was based on his adult teeth coming in. once more teeth had erupted it was evident a tooth or two needed to be extracted.
then more waiting for more teeth to erupt
and finally by the typical mid teen years the full upper and lower metal brace set up was on and in place for the usual 18 months.
the early treatment helped with his speech and bite (as well as cleaning).
we were fortunate that he saw the same orthodontist for the entire duration, a really lovely fellow and a really fun modern open plan practice where all the kids would meet and chat.

Great thread OP, so much interesting advice!

Don't wish to derail but wonder if @Angrymum22 or any dentists reading can advise...

My DS is 6 yo, he has all his baby teeth still but his front 2 teeth are notably protruding. Like myself, he has a very small lower jaw compared to his upper, so that the lower lip pushes the top front teeth forward. He has a lisp and the speech therapist said the issue was dental!

Back in the early 90s I was under the care of an absolutely terrifying NHS orthodontist who gave me 2 sets of fixed braces (upper and lower) plus headgear and then at the end of treatment said that I needed jaw surgery for the results to be permanent. He had a reputation for leaving female patients with pronounced unattractive 'lantern' jaws so my mum declined; as a result I have always bad protruding myself as an adult.

Given NHS waiting lists are so much longer now, and the fact that the problem is already evident, is there any mileage in trying to get an orthodontic referral for him ASAP? Are there things that could potentially be done at this young age to attempt to mitigate the future jaw surgery to some extent?

I'd be grateful for any thoughts! Many thanks x

It’s was absolutely an orthodontist we seen after a referral from our usual dentist.

Unfortunately referrals are mostly done electronically and a referral for orthodontics for a 6 year old would be automatically rejected even before it was sent.

You cannot tell from baby teeth if a child will need braces or not , adult teeth come through in very different positions. Did your son suck his thumb or use a dummy?

You cannot put braces on a 6 year old on the NHS in the U.K. and unless there are particular problems most orthodontic referrals will be rejected until child is approaching age when loosing baby teeth , even though waiting lists are long.

Also lower jaw growth in boys in much more pronounced than girls and takes place at pubertal growth spurt so in many cases something that looks like a problem now settles itself as a boy gets older.