Is Your Child Ready for Their First Orthodontic Check?
An early orthodontic assessment, around age eight or nine, can help spot developing problems and give you a clear plan for your child's growing smile - whether treatment is needed now, later, or not at all.
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ACTUAL PATIENT
ACTUAL PATIENTAn early assessment doesn't mean your child needs treatment
It's natural to worry that bringing your child in means they'll be told they need braces. That isn't how we work. We recommend a first orthodontic check at around eight or nine years old, when enough adult teeth have come through for us to see how things are developing.
We'll take a careful look, explain what we've found in plain English, and tell you honestly whether treatment is needed now, would be better later, or isn't needed at all. We won't ever recommend treatment your child doesn't need.
What can we spot early?
An early assessment lets us keep a close eye on how your child's teeth and jaws are developing. Things we look out for include:
- Crowded or misplaced teeth
- Problems with the way the teeth meet
- Teeth that may struggle to come through correctly
- Significant gaps or spacing
- Jaw growth or bite concerns
- Habits that may affect development
ACTUAL PATIENT
ACTUAL PATIENTIf early treatment is recommended
If we do suggest early treatment, it's usually simple and gentle. Depending on your child's needs, that might mean a removable appliance or, for some children, clear aligners such as Angel Aligners Kids or Invisalign® First to guide developing teeth.
In some cases, early treatment can help address a developing problem and may make any later orthodontic treatment more straightforward.
Already started NHS treatment elsewhere?
Lincoln Orthodontics is a private practice and doesn't directly offer NHS orthodontic treatment. If your child has started NHS treatment elsewhere, we can arrange a simple transfer of their care to us.
The cost of continuing privately depends on your child's stage of treatment and goals, and our New Patient Coordinator will guide you through the options.
ACTUAL PATIENTFrequently Asked Questions
We recommend a first orthodontic check at around eight or nine years old, when enough adult teeth have come through for us to see how things are developing.
Not usually. An early check is mostly about keeping an eye on development. Many children won't need any treatment at this age, and we'll only recommend it if it's genuinely needed.
We'll make your child feel at ease, gently examine their teeth and jaws, and explain what we've found. There's no pressure and no obligation to proceed.
Your initial consultation is free. If there's ever any cost involved, we'll tell you clearly before anything goes ahead.
The best way to find out is an assessment. We'll look at how your child's teeth and jaws are developing and advise whether treatment is needed now, later, or not at all.
Yes. Some children benefit from early treatment while they still have baby teeth, though many are simply monitored until more adult teeth come through.
We'll keep a gentle eye on your child's development and let you know if and when the right time to treat arrives.
It varies from child to child. We'll agree a simple review schedule so we can check in on their development at the right times.
Early treatment is designed to be gentle. Your child may notice some mild pressure at first, which settles quickly.
Depending on their needs, options can include removable appliances, clear aligners such as Angel Aligners Kids, and later fixed braces. We'll recommend what's right for your child.
For some children, yes. Angel Aligners Kids and Invisalign® First are designed for younger patients, and we'll let you know if they're suitable.
It depends on what, if anything, is needed. We'll always be upfront about costs and offer finance options to help spread them.
No referral is needed. You can book an assessment with us directly.
What happens at my child's consultation?
Bringing your child for their first assessment? Here's exactly what to expect when you visit us.
- 1
Meet our team
We’ll talk about what you’d like to change about your smile.
- 2
Assess your teeth and bite
We’ll take the records needed to understand your orthodontic needs.
- 3
Explore your options
We'll explain whether treatment is needed now, later, or not at all - we won't recommend treatment unless your child needs it.
- 4
Understand the cost
You’ll receive your treatment options and costs, including available payment options.
ACTUAL PATIENTNot sure if it's time? Let's take a look
If you're wondering whether your child needs to see an orthodontist, we're happy to take a look and put your mind at rest. Book a free assessment and we'll tell you honestly what, if anything, is needed.
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