Guiding your child’s smile as they grow
Orthodontic Appliances
Guiding your child’s smile as they grow
Orthodontic Appliances
As children grow, their teeth and jaws are constantly changing—and sometimes, those changes need a little help to stay on the right track. That’s where orthodontic appliances, often called plates, come in.
These custom-made devices gently guide jaw growth, help teeth move into better positions, and improve bite alignment. Plates are an important part of early intervention orthodontics, tackling issues like spacing, crowding, and bite concerns before they become more complex. Starting early can often make future treatment simpler, shorter, and more effective.
Guiding kids’ bites with orthodontics
When we guide jaw growth, we use two main types of orthodontic appliances: fixed or removable. Fixed appliances stay attached to the teeth and work around the clock. Removable plates can be taken out for meals and cleaning, giving kids a little more freedom.
Which one’s right? That depends on your child’s age, their treatment needs, and how well they can stick to instructions.
- Bonded directly to the teeth so they cannot be removed by the child.
- Often recommended for younger patients to prevent loss or damage.
- Helps ensure treatment progresses at a predictable rate.
- Reduces the risk of delays caused by forgetting to wear the appliance.
- Can be taken out during meals and for brushing teeth.
- Often more comfortable and easier to clean around.
- Requires consistent use for effective results—compliance is key.
- Best suited for older children or those who can reliably follow instructions.
In either case, success depends on parental supervision and encouragement to ensure the appliance is worn as directed.
Common types of orthodontic appliances
At Alma Dental Surgery, we offer a variety of customised orthodontic appliances, each designed for a specific purpose.
- Widens the upper jaw if it is too narrow or positioned too far back.
- Creates space to alleviate crowding.
- Helps correct bite and jaw discrepancies.
- Can improve airway space in some patients.
- Most effective in younger, growing children whose jawbones can still adapt.
- Keeps space open when a baby tooth is lost prematurely.
- Prevents neighbouring teeth from drifting into the gap.
- Ensures there’s enough room for the permanent tooth to emerge correctly.
- Designed to discourage habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting
- Acts as a physical barrier or reminder to break the habit.
- Helps prevent bite problems and jaw misalignment caused by prolonged habits.
- Targets a single misaligned tooth in an otherwise straight arch.
- Gently guides the tooth back into proper alignment.
- Provides a more conservative alternative to full orthodontic treatment in select cases.
- Used for young patients with jaw growth discrepancies.
- Guides or modifies facial growth to improve long-term outcomes.
- Can be fixed or removable, depending on the case.
- Works best during active growth phases.
Why early orthodontic treatment matters
Correcting bite issues and jaw discrepancies early can:
- Reduce the need for complex treatment later in life.
- Improve facial symmetry and smile aesthetics.
- Enhance oral function, making it easier to chew and speak.
- Promote healthier jaw and airway development.
Our dentists carefully assess each child’s needs and recommend the most suitable appliance to ensure optimal results.
Caring for orthodontic appliances
To keep appliances in good condition and ensure treatment success:
- Brush carefully around the appliance to remove plaque and food debris.
- For removable appliances, clean them daily with a toothbrush and cold water.
- Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that may damage the appliance.
- Attend all scheduled adjustment and review appointments.
Kids’ orthodontic appliances in North Perth
Your child’s best smile doesn’t grow on autopilot. It takes daily care, healthy habits, and regular check-ups to keep their teeth and jaws developing properly. At Alma Dental Surgery, orthodontic assessments are part of our care, helping us catch issues early and guide treatment gently.
If your child needs extra support, we’ll create a personalised plan — from simple appliances to more advanced options — tailored to their growth and comfort.
Book an orthodontic consultation today and give your child the best chance at a healthy, confident smile for life.
