Braces for Kids: Early Treatments to Guide Healthy Growth
Every child develops at their own pace, but there are a few signs that may suggest early orthodontic care or kids’ braces could be beneficial. If you notice crowding, gaps, teeth that don’t meet evenly when your child bites, mouth breathing, thumb or finger sucking beyond the age of six, difficulty chewing or biting, or early/late loss of baby teeth, it may be time for an orthodontic assessment.
An early check-up helps determine whether treatment is needed and, if so, the best time to begin. In many cases, early orthodontic care and braces for kids can help create the right foundation for a confident, healthy smile. At Solas Orthodontics, we recommend seeing children from around age 7 to monitor how their teeth and jaws are developing. Early intervention allows us to guide growth and address potential concerns before they become more complex, helping your child’s smile shine bright as they grow.
Benefits of braces for kids
Braces for kids do more than straighten teeth — they help guide the growth and alignment of developing jaws, creating a balanced, healthy bite and lasting facial harmony. Early orthodontic treatment can make room for incoming adult teeth, reduce the likelihood of crowding, and prevent the need for more complex or invasive procedures later on. By addressing small issues early, braces can support confident smiles, clearer speech, easier cleaning, and improved overall dental health as your child grows.
Braces for Kids: The Process
1 Your First Appointment
Your child’s smile journey begins with an initial consultation with Dr. Daniel O’Connor, our Specialist Orthodontist. With extensive experience in children’s orthodontics, Dr. O’Connor will carefully assess your child’s teeth and jaw development, explaining any findings and recommending the most suitable treatment plan. He’ll take the time to answer all your questions and ensure both you and your child feel comfortable, informed, and confident about the next steps.
2 Say “Cheese” for a 3D Scan
Once treatment is agreed upon, we’ll take a precise 3D scan of your child’s smile. This quick and comfortable digital scan helps us understand the underlying causes of any alignment issues and allows you to clearly see the path ahead.
3 Let’s Get That Smile Aligned
When you’re ready to begin, our team will fit your child’s braces and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable start. They will go through how to take care of your braces and overall oral health during your treatment!
4 Regular Check-Ups
Throughout treatment, your child will visit us every 4 to 8 weeks so we can monitor progress and make gentle adjustments. If any discomfort arises between appointments, our friendly team is always available to arrange an earlier visit and make sure everything stays on track.
5 Follow-Ups and After-Care
Once the braces come off, we’ll continue to provide after-care and regular check-ups for up to 12 months — helping to maintain their beautiful, confident smile.
The Solas Orthodontic Experience
Getting braces can feel like a big step, and it’s normal for kids (and parents) to have plenty of questions. At Solas Orthodontics, Dr O’Connor specialises in braces for children and takes the time to explain every detail clearly — from how the treatment works to what your child can expect along the way.
Thanks to advanced orthodontic technology, braces are now more comfortable, efficient, and discreet than before, helping make the journey smoother from start to finish. And because we know a relaxed environment makes all the difference, our clinic is equipped with iPads and games to help kids feel at ease and make the experience a little bit more fun.
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Payment Solutions
HICAPS is available for instant health fund rebates, and we also offer flexible, interest-free payment plans on selected treatments, making it easier to start your smile journey with confidence.
See what our clients are smiling about
As an adult patient who needed braces at the age of 27, I found Dr.Daniel and his staff to be friendly, professional and efficient. I am extremely pleased with the results of my treatment. If you are looking for an orthodontist who knows what he is doing, this is the place to go.
I could not thank Dan and his team enough! All the staff there are helpful, organise and very friendly. I was always made to feel very comfortable and was made very aware of what was happening along the away with my treatment. Dr Dan did some very amazing work on my teeth. Not only do they look better than I ever that they could, he saved me a lot of money by dealing with the issues I had as a priority. I would highly recommend Dan and his lovely team.
FAQs
How do I know if my child needs braces?
Every child is different, but some signs may include crowding, gaps, mouth breathing, thumb or finger sucking beyond age six, difficulty chewing, or teeth that don’t meet evenly. Even if everything seems fine, an early check-up can provide peace of mind and ensure growth is on track.
What age should my child see an orthodontist?
We recommend booking an orthodontic assessment from around age seven. At this stage, we can gently monitor how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing and identify any potential issues early, often before more complex treatment is needed.
What are the benefits of braces for kids?
Braces do more than straighten teeth — they help guide healthy jaw growth, improve bite alignment, and make room for adult teeth to come through naturally. Early treatment can reduce the risk of future crowding or extractions, while also supporting confident smiles and better oral health.
Are braces uncomfortable for kids?
Braces today are more comfortable and efficient than before. At Solas Orthodontics, we use advanced technology and gentle techniques to ensure a smooth experience. Most children adjust quickly, and we like to make the process a little more fun by letting them choose their brace colours.
How long does kids’ braces treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on your child’s needs, but typically lasts between 6 and 18 months. Regular check-ups every 4 to 8 weeks help us track progress and make any small adjustments to keep things on course.
