Smiles for Every Age

Teen Dental Care

Orthodontic Treatments for Kids & Teens

The majority of patients who go through orthodontic treatments are teenagers; most children or teenagers start their orthodontic treatments around 12 or 13 years old.

This is an excellent time to start orthodontic treatments as all of the teeth would have fully erupted and are situated in the place they are likely to stay. Occasionally the Orthodontist may choose to start orthodontic treatment before this age, but this will be dependent on the individual case, and a separate referral may be required.

If you are concerned that your child may need to start early orthodontic treatment or have worries about their tooth alignment, don’t hesitate to contact HB Dental in Drogheda, and we will be happy to assist.

School Life Impact

School & Social Impact

At HB Dental, we know that getting braces is a big milestone—especially for teenagers.

As the new face of Frederick Orthodontics, we bring the same trusted team and 20+ years of orthodontic experience, now with a fresh, modern approach. We’re here to make every step of the braces journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.

It’s natural for teens to feel a bit self-conscious at first, which is why we offer a range of discreet and comfortable treatment options to suit individual needs and boost confidence.

Oral hygiene is a key part of successful treatment.

Braces require extra care, and we’re here to provide the tools and knowledge to make it manageable. Brushing after every meal is especially important, as food can easily get trapped around the brackets. If not cleaned properly, lingering sugars can damage the enamel, leading to decay.

We understand that brushing during the school day can be tricky. That’s why we recommend at least rinsing with water after meals—and brushing whenever possible. Every small habit makes a big difference in protecting your smile.

Things to Watch

Is Orthodontic Care Needed?

It is important to keep an eye on your child and see if you spot any symptoms which may highlight that they may need treatment

Young Smiles Care

Treatment Choices for Children and Teenagers

Just like adults, kids and teens also have several orthodontic treatment options. The best choice depends on their individual needs, which can be discussed during a consultation with the orthodontist.

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces use brackets and wires to gently shift teeth into place. In some cases, small elastic bands are added to help correct jaw alignment.

Aligners

Clear aligners can be used for some kids and teens, though they’re less common. They work in stages to move teeth, often with tooth-colored attachments and sometimes by reshaping teeth slightly to create space.

Functional Appliances

Functional Appliances are you used in growing children to help guide your development, and improve how the teeth fit together. By encouraging proper growth at the right time, they can reduce the need for complex treatment later and often prepare the bite for future braces or aligners.

When Begin Treatment

Early Dental Correction

Benefits of Early Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment can have a number of benefits, including enhanced self-confidence and an aesthetic appearance for the child.

In addition to this it is likely that early intervention will lead in proper jaw growth as well aligned teeth, reduced risk for cavities, periodontal disease and tooth decay in childhood; less prolonged treatments as an adult! Not only that but these procedures also help prevent speech problems too.

When Kids Need Treatment?

There are three age related stages you can get orthodontic treatment for your child.

(2-6 years old)

The goal of early orthodontic treatment is to provide enough space for permanent teeth. Good candidates include children who have difficulty biting properly, lose baby teeth early or grind their teeth at night

Space maintainers are used during this phase too so kids don’t develop a habit that will affect adult dental health later on down the line (such as bruxing). The dentist may also prescribe one type deep bite appliances which promote jaw growth and prevent your child’s thumb sucking or other bad habits

(6-12 years old)

Middle dentition treatments are the first step in fixing misaligned jaws and starting to realign crooked teeth. This marks an optimal time for children who have severe malocclusions, as their soft tissues are still pliable enough that they can be “repaired” without too much difficulty or pain.

The dentist can provide a child with dental appliances that will help them maintain their teeth and prevent future problems. Some of these are fixed, while others are removable.

(13+ years old)

Though many parents think of orthodontic treatment for their adolescents, it is actually a great choice for younger children as well. The goals and objectives in both cases include straightening out teeth from the permanent set to improve smile aesthetics- all before adulthood!

The treatments here are metal braces, clear braces, invisible aligners with potential arch expanders if necessary.

HB Dental Orthodontic Clinic

Treatment Options

Book a consultation today with one of our team, who will be happy to discuss these options with you in-depth, and assess your suitability for orthodontics. Further information on each of these options are available on our website.

Start your care

Smile With HB Dental

Orthodontic care shouldn’t wait, and neither should you! We offer metal braces, clear braces, aligners and functional appliances for early intervention, all tailored to keep your smile healthy, comfortable and beautifully aligned.