Are you looking for an orthodontist in Bedford for your child or teen?
At Bedford Specialist Orthodontics, we specialise in helping children on their journey towards a healthy smile. Orthodontic treatment can be a significant milestone in your child’s life, which is why we aim to make it a pleasant and positive experience.
Orthodontics for Children
At our orthodontic practice in Bedford, also covering Luton, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard, we specialise in helping children on their journey towards a healthy and attractive smile.
Our specialist orthodontists not only straighten teeth but are also trained to look at the developing jaw and denoting adult teeth in young children. We understand that orthodontic treatment can be a significant milestone in your child’s life, which is why we aim to make it a pleasant and positive experience.
Our treatment plans for children and teens cater for a range of budgets and needs:
NHS Treatment – for under 18’s who qualify under the criteria. Please visit our NHS Treatment page for more information.
Private treatment – offers no waiting lists and a wider choice of appliance type, including less visible braces. While orthodontics is usually not essential, the self-confidence that is generated by having even, straight teeth can have an important effect on one’s life. As a private patient you will receive the best possible treatment, using the latest treatment techniques. Private patients also have a wider selection of appointment times available to them, for example after school.
Teeth Straightening for Teenagers
Many teenagers are looking for a more discreet type of orthodontic treatment to straighten their smile. At our orthodontic practice in Bedford, we treat many teenage patients with low-visibility and convenient orthodontic methods.
- Teenagers experience a crucial period when all their adult teeth have erupted, but they are still undergoing rapid facial growth. This is an ideal time for orthodontic treatment to enhance the appearance and function of their smile and support their overall health.
- Crooked teeth can impact a teenager’s self-esteem and social skills. Today, braces can be much less noticeable than they were in the past. While metal braces are still the most common brace type, there are also less visible options such as fixed braces with Clear Brackets or clear aligners such as Invisalign Teen. (Note: these treatments are not available on the NHS).
- Recognising that teenagers need to be happy and comfortable with their appliance, we ensure that both the parent and teenager are included in all discussions.
Come and visit our friendly team to find out all the options.
Orthodontic Care for Children and Teens
Children’s Orthodontics FAQs
You might not consider orthodontic treatment for your child until they are teenagers. However, early intervention can be crucial for achieving successful orthodontic outcomes. It’s usually recommended that children undergo their first orthodontic assessment by the age of seven or eight. By this age, your child’s adult teeth will have emerged sufficiently for us to identify potential orthodontic issues, and their jaws are still growing, which facilitates easier treatment.
While your child may not require treatment at this age, at our orthodontic practice in Bedford we can monitor the development of their smile and intervene at the appropriate time. Early treatment can save significant time and money by potentially reducing the need for more complex orthodontic procedures later.
Your child’s general dentist can refer them for an NHS orthodontic assessment at our practice if they feel it is required. However, you can also bring your child for a private orthodontic consultation at any time just by contacting the practice.
Braces do not often hurt though you may feel some discomfort for a couple days after your braces have been fitted as your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth get used to the new braces. You can use dental wax to protect your gums and cheeks until your mouth is used to the braces, please ask us about this.
Visit our pages All About Your Brace and Brace Care Videos for information.
Our Results
With over 10,00 happy patients
it’s not hard to see why our patients recommend us to friends and family. Take a look at some of our patients’ teeth straightening journeys.
Clear Bracket Braces
Treatment Duration: Eighteen Months
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Treatment Duration: Twelve Months