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Children's Orthodontics
Serving patients throughout Petts Wood and Orpington
Helping younger patients achieve a straight and healthy smile
Straighter teeth are healthier teeth as when they are properly aligned it is much easier to keep your teeth and gums clean and in perfect health.
Early intervention can make a world of difference in your child’s oral health. Children’s orthodontics addresses issues such as crooked teeth, misaligned jaws, and bite problems before they become more challenging to correct. By taking proactive measures, you’re not just investing in a beautiful smile but also promoting overall well-being.
At H Williams & Associates we see many young people for treatment. We have the very best equipment and specialists, plus a choice of treatments that can provide a more cosmetic approach if desired.
We understand that as a parent you want the very best for your child and to rectify any issues as soon as possible. That is why we offer:
- No waiting list. Start your treatment journey in days by booking your first consultation.
- First consultation to treatment within one month.
- Convenient Saturday appointments available.
- All treatment in house. No need to visit other locations for any aspect of treatment.
- Regular appointments to making minor adjustments instead of infrequent major adjustments limiting any discomfort for your child.
- Treatment payment options available.
Furthermore, ALL of your child's appointments will be with our specialist Consultant and Senior University Lecturer in Orthodontics, Ahmed.
Consultant Orthodontist
Dr Ahmed El-Angbawi
Ahmed is our consultant and specialist orthodontist. When not working at H Williams and Associates Ahmed is a Senior lecturer at The Royal London Queen Mary University of London. In 2013 he qualified as an orthodontist after extensive training at the University of Glasgow where he worked as a clinical lecturer in orthodontics. He was awarded his PhD based on a clinical trial in assessing the clinical...
Steps to Success: The Journey to straight teeth and healthier teeth and gums
1. Initial Consultation
Begin with a thorough examination of your child’s oral health. Ahmed will discuss potential issues, and treatment options, and answer any questions you may have.
2. Customised Treatment Plan
Once we understand your child’s needs, we’ll create a personalised treatment plan. This may involve braces, aligners, or other orthodontic appliances, depending on the case.
3. Regular Check-ups
Periodic appointments ensure the treatment progresses as planned. We’re here to monitor your child’s development and make any necessary adjustments to achieve the best results.
4. Celebrate the Transformation
Witness the incredible transformation as your child’s smile evolves. Our team celebrates each milestone, creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere for your child.
Aftercare
Maintaining a Radiant Smile After the active treatment phase, maintaining your child’s beautiful smile is crucial. Our aftercare involves guidance on retainers, oral hygiene practices, and periodic check-ups to ensure the results stand the test of time.
Invisalign Aligners For Your Children
Invisalign® First is a popular choice for kids because it is nearly invisible and very comfortable to wear.
It works by gradually moving your child’s teeth into the proper position using a series of clear, custom-made aligners.
In most cases, treatment will take between 6 and 12 months. We use Dental monitoring and see children every 3 months on average so that we can assess their progress and make any necessary adjustments.
You will need a complimentary smile evaluation to know if your child is a candidate for Invisalign® First. Feel free to request one today!
See Your New Smile Before Treatment Starts!
All our patients are involved in their treatment decision.
This is made possible by using the sophisticated smile simulation software within our iTero scanners.
Our 3D scan will show what your new smile could look like after orthodontic treatment and allow you to make and see real-time modifications to ensure you will be happy with the end result!
People are talking about us
The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to H Williams and Associates Dental Care. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…
Treatment Types Available
Ceramic Brackets
Made in a white or tooth-coloured material
Lingual Braces
Placed out of sight on the back of the teeth
Aligners
Removable clear plastic appliances which fit over the teeth and progressively moved
Invisalign®
We offer Invisalign treatments for children and Teenagers if desired and appropriate for specific treatment.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The British Orthodontic Society recommends an initial orthodontic assessment at around the age of 7. However, the right age for treatment varies depending on the individual child’s needs.
What issues can orthodontic treatment address in children?
Orthodontic treatment can address a variety of issues, including crooked teeth, overcrowding, misalignment, overbite, underbite, and issues with jaw development.
How long does orthodontic treatment typically last for children?
The duration of treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case. On average, treatment may last between 12 and 24 months.
What types of braces are available for children in the UK?
Traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and invisible aligners (such as Invisalign) are commonly used. The appropriate type depends on the child’s specific needs and the orthodontist’s recommendation.
Is there any pain or discomfort associated with orthodontic treatment?
Initially, there may be some discomfort or soreness when braces are first applied or adjusted. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this discomfort. At H Williams & associates we provide regular appointments making minor adjustments rather that infrequent major adjustments.
Can my child still play sports or musical instruments with braces?
Yes, but it’s important to wear a mouthguard during sports to protect the braces. Playing musical instruments may require an adjustment period.
How do I care for my child’s braces or aligners?
The orthodontist will provide specific instructions, but generally, good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, are essential. Special care may be needed for certain types of braces.
Additional information about Children’s Orthodontics
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the movement of the teeth within the jaw bones to straighten them and help them to bite more evenly together. Orthodontic treatment is about making the best of your teeth; it’s about improving the harmony of your mouth and jaws.
What is a specialist orthodontist?
Orthodontists firstly become fully qualified dentists before completing a further period of training and examinations in order to specialise in orthodontics. A specialist orthodontist will have carried out at least 3 years extra training after becoming a qualified dentist. Only those dentists who have completed this training can register with GDC (General Dental Council) as a specialist orthodontist.
Who needs orthodontist treatment?
Most children begin treatment around the age of 12 or 13, once all their permanent teeth have erupted. In a few instances treatment is better started early and your dentist may want to make an earlier referral. But age is not a barrier to treatment and the number of adults seeking treatments is on the increase.
Orthodontic treatment is recommended for individuals who have various dental and jaw alignment issues. These issues can range from common misalignments like overbites, underbites, and crowding to more complex problems involving jaw positioning. People with malocclusions that affect their bite, such as open bites or crossbites, may also require orthodontic care.
Additionally, individuals with aesthetic concerns about the appearance of their teeth may seek orthodontic treatment for cosmetic reasons. Ultimately, the decision to undergo orthodontic treatment is determined through evaluation by an orthodontist, who assesses the specific dental and orthodontic needs of each patient and recommends an appropriate treatment plan, which may include braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances.