What to Consider for your Child's Orthodontics

There’s a lot to be said about halloween and the impact on children teeth. With the excess sugar, parents often find themselves concerned. However dental care for children isn’t seasonal, and requires care all year around, especially for those who are experiencing orthodontic problems and wanting to improve their smile and ability to eat well and without pain.

In fact, British researchers found that one smile can generate the same level of positive stimulation as up to 2,000 bars of chocolate! Smiling also helps us to connect with others and makes us more approachable, an important factor when making friends at school. If wonky, over-crowded or crooked teeth are making your child self-conscious and stopping them from smiling then fear not, because award-winning specialist orthodontist Dr Chaw-Su Kyi is making it her mission to get the nation smiling and, according to her, it all starts with our kids. Award-winning specialist orthodontist Dr Chaw-Su Kyi, practises in both Hammersmith and Harley Street, and has a passion for transforming smiles and one of her focuses is on offering the absolute best, private orthodontic care for children. 

“My forward-thinking approach for early corrective treatment can prevent the need for more complex treatment later in their teens, giving your child the best opportunity for lifelong healthy teeth. ”

— Dr Chaw-Su Kyri

Unlike general dentists, who perform many other procedures, Dr Kyi specialises only in orthodontic brace treatments, for life changing smile enhancements. Speaking on popular veneer treatments, she says, “Having to drill healthy enamel to place a veneer is incredibly high risk for the tooth. The long-term implication is having ‘fake teeth’ for life, as without the veneers [you would be] left with tiny stumps of teeth, which are not functional or attractive.” Instead, she provides care which involves the use of braces to correct the positioning of teeth, so that they not only look better, but also work better.

Recognised as an expert in the latest advances in orthodontics, her vast and extensive experience in all brace and teeth straightening options, working in multiple world-class London hospitals, has earned her the title of one of the best orthodontists in London. She achieved an impressive quadruple distinction at Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ medical school and received a prestigious distinction in her orthodontics Master’s.

We spoke to Dr Kyi to answer some common questions about braces and how you can help support your child.

At what age should I think about taking my child to see an orthodontist? 

I often assesses children aged between 10-12 years, when nearly all the permanent teeth have erupted. However, orthodontic treatment can be started on certain types of tooth problems even before all the baby teeth have fallen out. In fact, she recommends bringing your child for orthodontic assessment from age eight to check all the teeth are coming through correctly. My forward-thinking approach for early corrective treatment can prevent the need for more complex treatment later in their teens, giving your child the best opportunity for lifelong healthy teeth. 

Your first appointment: What to expect

A thorough consultation and assessment is important before you agree to undertake any treatment for your child.  I will ask you about your concerns and the concerns of your child and outline all the different options available, I will also explain fully to you how each option is applicable/suitable or not suitable for your child, the benefits of each treatment, any risks involved, what after care will be necessary and if your child will be limited from doing anything during treatment, how long the treatment will take, and costs. 

 My approach is tailoring treatment according to each individual needs to the available brace options. I dedicates at least an hour to consultations to carry out a full clinical assessment, examining the facial features and assessing the dental features. I can then work with you to decide on the most favourable treatment option for your child and if there are any circumstances or special events that require further tailoring of treatment.

Carefully consider the options 

If you had heavy metal train-track style braces when you were a kid then you may find the idea of your child having braces scary. But things have moved on a lot since then and there are now a wide range of options, depending on your child’s needs and what you want for them.

I offer one of the most diverse range of options for teeth straightening. These include:

Clear braces – clear fixed braces are the least visible fixed braces that are fitted to the outside of the teeth. They are tooth-coloured, which allows the braces to blend in with the colour of your natural teeth and are less visible. They still work in the same way as a metal fixed brace to give the same fantastic results but are a lot less noticeable.

Damon braces – this type of brace system allows your teeth to move ‘freely’. The teeth can move slightly quicker and with fewer orthodontic visits during your treatment. Potentially your treatment may be shorter, with longer appointment intervals between your orthodontic adjustments.

Invisalign Teen  – Invisalign is a great solution for those who are conscious of their appearance and want to avoid wearing metal braces. The Invisalign system consists of a series of clear plastic aligners that are customised by Dr Kyi for each patient’s teeth. Invisalign is nearly undetectable and does not interfere with patients’ appearances or lifestyles Lingual. 

Incognito braces – these are fixed braces that fit on the inner surfaces of the teeth and are truly invisible. They work in the same way as conventional fixed braces but with one big difference – no one will know you are wearing braces.

Removable braces - also known as “retainers”, these are braces that can be taken out for eating, brushing and flossing. They are usually made of a plastic plate moulded to your mouth and wires.

Fixed metal braces – if you are a parent and had braces as a child/teen yourself then you mostlikely had fixed metal braces, also known as “train tracks”. These are a traditional style of brace that consist of brackets attached to the front surface of the teeth and are connected with very thin metal wires. They can be unsightly but are highly effective.

What about the costs? 

Fees for private orthodontic treatment vary widely. The fee varies due to the complexity of the problem, the locality, and the experience of the orthodontist/dentist. 7 Award-winning specialist orthodontist Dr Chaw-Su Kyi is offering every reader a HALF PRICE in person consultation until mid December, or a free virtual consultation on Zoom. To find out more, visit her website or email info@wlco.co.uk.

PAID FOR PROMOTION