What are Kids Braces?
Children's braces are orthodontic devices to straighten teeth and correct bite issues in young patients. Braces consist of brackets attached to teeth and connected by wires, applying gentle pressure to move teeth into position. Treatment typically lasts 1-3 years with regular adjustments by the orthodontist. They enhance smile appearance, improve oral health, and prevent issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Our practice offers personalised treatment plans for each child's unique dental needs, ensuring a comfortable journey to a healthier smile.
How do Kids Braces work?
Kids braces are orthodontic appliances designed to align misaligned teeth and correct bite problems in young patients. These braces consist of brackets affixed to teeth, connected by wires that gently shift teeth into proper alignment over 1-3 years, with regular adjustments by Dr. O'Connor. Beyond enhancing the smile's aesthetics, they also foster better oral health, preventing issues like decay and gum disease. Our practice provides tailored treatment plans to address each child's unique dental needs, ensuring a smooth journey to a healthier smile.
How much do Kids Braces cost?
The cost of kids braces in Ireland can vary widely. This depends on the nature of the bite, the degree of crowding as well as the growth stage. However, adolescence is the best time to address these issues as it coincides with an the most active growth phase allowing for improved results - it is an excellent investment in your child's long term oral well-being.
Understanding the financial commitment to orthodontic care, we are committed to making treatment as accessible as possible. To this end, we offer a variety of flexible payment plans designed to fit your budget. Additionally, patients can take advantage of a 5% discount for payments made in full upfront. You may also be eligible to claim back 20% of your investment through the Med 2 form, further supporting the affordability of your journey to a healthier smile.
The Process
This appointment is to discuss your goals with one of our specialist orthodontists. It may also involve your dental and medical history, a physical examination of your teeth and jaw, X-rays, and possibly impressions of your teeth to create models.
The orthodontist will review the X-rays, photos, and examination results to devise a specific plan for moving your teeth into the correct position. This plan will include the estimated length of treatment, cost of treatment and any preparatory work needed.
This might involve dental cleaning, addressing any existing dental issues like cavities, and possibly extracting teeth to create space for adjustments. Once these issues have been addressed, it's time to move onto the next phase!
During this appointment, Dr O'Connor places the metal or ceramic brackets onto your teeth. These brackets are glued on carefully, in such a way that they are stable but can also be removed easily at the end of your treatment.
You will have regular appointments (usually every 8-10) for progress checks. During these visits, the orthodontist will check the fit of your aligners and may advise that a new set of aligners are ordered.
The attachments and wires are carefully removed, and any adhesive is cleaned off your teeth. This is usually a quick and painless process.
To keep your teeth in their new position after the braces are removed, most patients will need to wear a retainer full time for a period following the removal of braces, transitioning to night-time wear to ensure teeth do not shift back to their original positions. Read more here.
Book a Free Consultation
Discuss your goals with one of our specialist orthodontists to find out what treatment option suits you best.
FAQs
The optimal age for braces is usually between 10 and 14 years, with most permanent teeth present and the jaw still growing. Orthodontists recommend starting assessments around age 7 to identify early issues.
Yes, a 7-year-old can have braces if significant orthodontic issues warrant early intervention. This Phase 1 treatment addresses problems that shouldn't wait for all permanent teeth.
The cost for kids' braces in Ireland varies, typically ranging from �3,000 to �6,500, depending on treatment type and duration. It'�s advisable to consult for a detailed quote.
Braces can cause discomfort for kids, usually mild and temporary, especially after initial placement and adjustments. Pain varies but is generally manageable with pain relievers and soft foods.
If recommended by an orthodontist, braces can correct significant dental issues and improve oral health and aesthetics. Consider your child's readiness for treatment.
The discomfort from braces is typically rated between 2 and 4 on a scale of 1 to 10, most intense after initial placement and adjustments, then subsiding.
The initial placement and first few days after each adjustment are usually the most uncomfortable, as this is when the teeth start moving.
The cost of braces for children in Ireland typically ranges from �3,000 to �7,000, depending on the type and duration of treatment. Costs are influenced by the complexity of dental issues and the type of braces chosen.
A good age for braces is usually between 10 and 14 years old, when most permanent teeth are present and the jaw is still developing. Orthodontic evaluations can start around age 7.
Orthodontic treatment typically ranges from 18 months to 3 years, depending on the case complexity. Factors influencing duration include braces type and the child�s adherence to care instructions.
Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage braces, like popcorn, nuts, hard candies, and also advise cutting harder fruits into smaller pieces.
Children need to visit the orthodontist every 6-7 weeks for adjustments, crucial for monitoring progress and making necessary changes.
The recommended age for a child�s first orthodontic visit is around 7 years old, allowing early identification of any developing issues.
Braces typically stay on between 18 months to 3 years, varying based on the child's orthodontic needs and how well they follow care instructions.
Focus on soft foods easy to chew, like pasta, rice, soft fruits, and steamed vegetables, and avoid foods that can damage braces.
Kids' braces are widely available at orthodontic clinics, including here at Terenure Orthodontics. Check online or ask for recommendations to find a provider.
Braces are suitable for many children with misaligned teeth, bite issues, or overcrowded mouths, determined after assessing the child�s specific dental needs.
A wide range of colors from subtle to vibrant is available for children to personalize their braces, with options to switch colors during adjustment appointments.
Read what our patients say about us
"Two of my daughters had braces fitted by the lovely Dr. Katherine Condren. I would highly recommend her services, she was so good with my daughters, we are extremely happy with the service received and they both have beautiful smiles now."
"Dr Joseph O’Connor is such a skilled orthodontist. His kindness and attention to detail is outstanding. He takes the time to explain everything and makes you feel very comfortable. Could not recommend him more."
"Joseph is a kind, compassionate and skilled orthodontist. He has a beautiful patient manner and his attention to detail is second to none. Highly recommend."
"I had a great experience with Dr O’Connor and his team. Booking was simple and they were very friendly & efficient throughout. Would highly recommended."
"Amazing service, highly professional. Dr O'Connor was really kind and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend!"
"Extremely happy with the outcome after braces, great attention to detail! Highly recommend."
"Dr O'Connor is a brilliant orthodontist, the consultation was thorough and he's easy to talk to."
Begin Your Journey
Discuss your goals with one of our specialist orthodontists to find out what treatment option suits you best. We offer free consultations both in person and online.
