Braces for Children

Modern

girl dentistry recommends that children have an orthodontic assessment between the ages of seven and nine.

Your child’s dentist may refer you to us because they have noted an emerging problem as your child’s teeth and jaws develop. You may also choose to contact Dr O’Donnell directly.

Interceptive Orthodontics

Preventative orthodontics can be started at approximately age seven, when your child still has some baby teeth.

We use diagnostic techniques to predict the development of a malocclusion and to plan an appropriate treatment protocol.
Growth Modification Appliances
We use growth modification appliances in children where an imbalance between the upper and lower jaw is developing: where the upper jaw is outgrowing the lower jaw or the lower jaw is outgrowing the upper jaw.

Part-time accessories may include:
- Headgear to slow down the forward growth of the upper jaw.
Non-Extraction Treatment

Non-extraction treatment is a branch of orthodontics that has been developed by modern orthodontists who strive to keep permanent teeth.

This treatment is applied in the majority of conditions treated at our clinic and this technique allows us to straighten teeth to maximise your child’s profile.
Fixed Metal Braces
A metal bracket is bonded to each tooth. A flexible archwire is then fed through the brackets. Made of nickel titanium or stainless steel, this wire moves the teeth and requires changing every four to six weeks.

Fixed metal braces may require the use of part-time accessories:

Small rubber bands or ligatures to secure the archwire to the brackets.

Elastics to help move teeth in certain circumstances.

Children will be able to choose from an array of colourful rubber bands and elastics.

Headgear at night is occasionally required to help hold or move teeth into the correct position.
Ceramic Braces
Subtle in appearance, they are so-called because the brackets, such as INVU, are made of off-white ceramic to blend in with your teeth. Made of copper, nickel titanium or metal, the archwire is very fine and hardly noticeable.

Ceramic braces may require the use of part-time accessories:
- Small rubber bands or ligatures to secure the archwire to the brackets.
- Elastic bands are occasionally necessary to help move teeth.
- Headgear at night is occasionally required to help hold or move teeth into the correct position.
Retainers

At the end of your orthodontic treatment, you will be required to wear a retainer for a prescribed period of time.

At O’Donnell Orthodontics you can avail of a permanent wire retainer, a removable clear retainer or a removable Hawley retainer.