Early orthodontic treatment guides jaw growth and tooth position while a child is still developing, so that some bite and crowding problems can be reduced before all the adult teeth are through. A consultation tells us whether, and when, it would help your child.
Our dentists and our specialist orthodontist provide this care at our Primrose Hill practice.

A crowded smile, a crossbite, thumb-sucking that will not stop, or adult teeth coming through in the wrong place are the things parents usually notice first. We use dental x-rays to see where the unerupted teeth are and how the jaws are growing, as part of the paediatric dentistry in London we provide, alongside fluoride treatments and dental hygiene for children and teens.
The examination also covers the rest of the mouth, from paediatric crowns for broken-down baby teeth to sealants for the molars, so the orthodontic plan sits on a healthy foundation.
The hard part of early orthodontics is timing. Treating too early wastes months; treating too late loses the advantage of growth. Our dentists assess each child, and Dr Kia Papagalani, specialist orthodontist (GDC No. 228487), advises on whether early intervention is worthwhile and when.
You receive an itemised plan before any fees are agreed, so you know what is being treated and why. For children who need additional support we provide special needs dentistry, and silver diamine fluoride where early decay needs managing alongside the orthodontics.
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Children with a developing crossbite, severe crowding, a jaw growing out of proportion, or habits that are pushing the teeth. Many children are nervous about the dentist, and parents worry about that too; we keep the visit calm and explain each step. The assessment may also cover children's dental trauma that has affected the teeth. We set out the options and paediatric dentistry costs in London at the first visit so you can decide without being rushed.
We examine your child to identify spacing problems, bite problems or jaw discrepancies, and explain what we find.
We plan around your child's stage of development so the timing works with growth rather than against it. We are honest about the timeline and the number of visits.
We fit the appliance chosen for your child, which may be removable, and show your child how to manage it. We go slowly for nervous children.
Regular reviews let us track movement and adjust the appliance. We also check for other needs during this phase, such as tongue and lip tie treatment.
Once the active phase is complete we focus on stability and on long-term care. Our children's dental aftercare guide has more detail.
Guiding jaw growth helps the adult teeth come through in a better position. Where aligners are appropriate, we use removable aligners rather than fixed braces for growing mouths. Our clinical team is led by Dr Ope Sodeinde, GDC-registered specialist periodontist (GDC No. 104071).
Orthodontic care sits alongside children's dental exams and cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental hygiene for children and teens, because teeth need to be clean and healthy to be moved safely.
We confirm the cost at the initial consultation, once we know whether your child needs space maintainers, an appliance, or simply monitoring.
It varies with the problem being treated. We give you a timeline after the first clinical assessment.
Children whose bite or jaw growth would benefit from guidance before all the adult teeth are through. Our dentists and orthodontist confirm suitability at the assessment.
Early treatment reduces problems; it does not always remove the need for later treatment. As your child matures we may recommend Invisalign First for growing smiles to continue guiding alignment.
We decide whether your child is a candidate for early intervention at a physical examination. Read what happens at your child's dental consultation and how to book to get started.
If you have immediate questions, call us on 020 7589 7792.
Early orthodontics often runs alongside other children's care: space maintainers, tongue and lip tie treatment, care for anxious children, special needs dentistry, children's dental trauma care, and silver diamine fluoride for early cavities.
After the assessment you receive a written plan and an itemised quote for your child, which is yours to keep. Arrange your assessment with the clinical team to find out whether early treatment is right for your child.
020 7589 7792


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111 Regent's Park Road, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UR
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