Treatment

OPTIONS FOR YOUR CHILD

The team at Park Lane Orthodontics are experts in a range of children’s orthodontic treatments. To find out more about the different solutions we provide, take a look at the options below.

What are the benefits of private treatment for my child?

The NHS is a wonderful institution. It’s concept is brilliant – free healthcare for everyone. For the last 20 years, the availability of brace treatment for children and adolescents has increased. This has meant more patients have been able to benefit, which we know has had a profound positive effect on their confidence.

However, with the increase in demand and relative reduction in the NHS budget, the profession has seen an increase in waiting time for assessment and treatment under the NHS. Whilst this is not always a big issue for many patients, for some having the treatment at the most appropriate time is really important. Missing that crucial time could make their treatment more complicated. Whilst the draw of free orthodontic treatment is undoubtably attractive, it does come with some downsides.

Top 5 grumbles we hear from parents who’s child has had NHS orthodontic treatment:

  • Waiting lists – up to 2 years before my child can have treatment
  • Appointments always running late – kept waiting up to 1 hour
  • Feel like we’re on conveyor belt – treated like a number
  • Can’t get appointments for 12 weeks or more – it’s a problem changing and booking appointments
  • Don’t feel like we have enough time or communication with the orthodontist – don’t know what is happening

What we offer:

At Park Lane Orthodontics we believe that time is the most important thing we can give you and your child. We understand that information is valuable and getting those important questions answered and reassurance given goes a long way. We all have busy lives and want to get on with the important stuff, waiting for things to get started is frustrating.

  • No waiting lists – if you need an opinion/consultation or treatment we can offer this to you usually within a matter of weeks – if your child is ready to start treatment so are we
  • Running on time – in the last 3 months the average wait to be called into an appointment was less than 5 minutes
  • You are special to us – friendly, caring and personal service to our patients. We have a pleasant, relaxing patient lounge with complimentary drinks service provided by our first class team.
  • Appointment availability – we make every effort to accommodate appointments to fit around your needs. Our patient advisors are often complimented on the efforts they go to for our patients
  • Communication – With relaxed appointments, we allow enough time to keep you informed and involved in your child’s treatment so you feel reassured they are in good hands
  • In addition we have free onsite parking, patient WiFi service and complimentary sundry items

Please see below the most common orthodontic treatment options for children:

Removable Plastic Braces

If your child is between 9 and 12, we might start early orthodontic treatment with a removable plastic brace. This lightweight and discreet brace is worn day and night, helping to straighten your child’s front teeth and make more room for their adult teeth to grow into. A removable brace might also be used to improve your child’s ‘bite’ – how the teeth look and work effectively.

Using removable plastic braces earlier on in your child’s life helps lay foundations for future treatment and can avoid needing to extract adult teeth later on, which would otherwise be the first major dental intervention your child receives, and therefore potentially upsetting.

To find out more about removable plastic braces, you can book a consultation with us.

Functional Braces

These braces are used to help manage problems with your child’s ‘bite’ – the way their teeth close together. Common bite issues include upper or lower front teeth that protrude and make a stronger, truer ‘bite’ difficult for your child.

Functional, or ‘bite’ correction braces, are worn on either the top or bottom set of teeth, or sometimes both, day and night. They help guide your child’s teeth and their ‘bite’ into the ideal position comfortably and effectively.

You can book a consultation for your child to learn more about functional braces.

Fixed Braces

We usually use fixed braces once all of your child’s adult teeth have come through. The braces are secured to your child’s teeth and work by aligning the adult teeth into a perfect, brilliant smile.

While there are lots of different types of fixed brace available, one of the most fun and fashionable options for children is a metal brace system with brightly coloured bands. We have a rainbow of colours available and know children enjoy picking out the colours, making the process of getting a brace a lot more pleasant.

For teenagers or children who are a little more self-conscious about their brace, we have a range of discreet cosmetic fixed braces which are designed to blend in with their teeth more effectively. This is a useful option if your child is particularly worried about having a brace and wants it to be as invisible as possible.

To find out more about what sort of fixed brace could be right for your child, contact us to book an appointment.

Invisalign Plastic Braces

The Invisalign braces for adults are incredibly popular, and Park Lane Orthodontics offers this treatment for older children with Invisalign Teen.

These clear teeth aligners are suitable for 11 to 18 year olds, as they are used to help align and straighten adult teeth. The barely visible braces are worn for 22 hours a day, and have a built-in indicator to show you how long they’re being worn to make sure they have time to move your child’s teeth effectively. For teenagers conscious of their smile but keen to make it as brilliant as possible, the discreet Invisalign Teen braces are a perfect choice.

Get in touch to find out whether your child can use Invisalign Teen to help improve their smile.

Retainers

After you’ve finished your orthodontic treatment and are enjoying your beautiful new smile, it’s important to wear your retainers. Teeth will want to move throughout your life – which will happen no matter what orthodontic treatment you’ve received. Retainers make sure your smile stays put.

Retainers can be Bonded (fixed wire), Clear plastic removable, or Wire reinforced plastic. Get information about each type and how to wear, clean and look after them. Please click below:

Advice for your Wire Reinforced Plastic Retainers View More
Advice for your bonded (fixed-wire) retainers View More
Advice for your clear plastic /removable retainers View More