Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. It is recommended that an initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problem, or around 9 years old.

At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, therefore we will review the patient until they are ready to start treatment should they be eligible.

Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater oppertunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment.

Some of the benefits of early orthodontic treatment are:

• Creating room for crowded teeth.
• Creating a better facial profile.
• Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth.
• Reducing the need for extractions later in life due to decay where patient’s have been unable to clean effectively around crowded teeth resulting in decay.
• A natural straight smile!



NHS Orthodontics
We are able to treat people under 18 years old on the NHS only if they meet the criteria for treatment set by the Government and the Department of health. This is called the IOTN. Orthodontists are specially trained to make this assessment and will explain to each patient where they are on the scale. Anyone, of any age has the option of receiving private care irrespective of the IOTN score.