If you’re wondering how much braces for kids cost, what age a child should get braces, or whether your child needs orthodontic treatment, you’re not alone. These are some of the most common questions parents ask when considering braces.
Most children have their first orthodontic assessment around the age of 7, although treatment often starts between 11 and 14 years, depending on how their teeth and jaws develop. Early assessment allows an orthodontist to identify problems before they become more complex and recommend the most appropriate time to begin treatment.
At Landmark Dental, every child is assessed by a specialist orthodontist, ensuring a personalized treatment plan based on their individual needs. If you’re looking for a trusted children’s orthodontist in Hemel Hempstead, early advice can help you make informed decisions about your child’s long-term oral health.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- When children should first see an orthodontist
- The best age to get braces
- Types of braces available for children
- How much children’s braces cost in the UK
- NHS vs private orthodontic treatment
- What happens during the first orthodontic consultation
- How to choose the right children’s orthodontist
What Are Children’s Orthodontics?
Children’s orthodontics focuses on diagnosing and treating issues with teeth alignment, bite, and jaw development early on. If you’re exploring orthodontics for children, early assessment can make a significant difference in long-term results. If you’re exploring orthodontics for kids, early assessment can help guide proper tooth and jaw development.
Treatment can help:
- Straighten teeth
- Improve bite and jaw alignment
- Support long-term oral health
- Boost confidence
Early treatment can often prevent more complex problems later in life.
What Does an Orthodontist Do for Kids?
An orthodontist is a specialist trained to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. Choosing an experienced orthodontist for children ensures your child receives the right care at the right time.
For children, they:
- Assess dental development
- Identify early orthodontic issues
- Recommend the right time for treatment
- Create a personalised plan
- Monitor progress throughout treatment
A specialist kids’ orthodontist will ensure that every stage of treatment is carefully planned and monitored for the best possible outcome. A qualified orthodontist for kids will carefully plan and monitor each stage of treatment to achieve the best results.
One key difference in private care:
At some practices, parts of treatment may be delegated to an orthodontic therapist. However, specialist-led clinics ensure your child’s treatment is overseen and carried out entirely by a qualified orthodontist.
At Landmark Dental, treatment is led by specialist orthodontist Dr Rohini Babber, ensuring a consistent, expert-led approach from start to finish.
At What Age Should a Child See an Orthodontist?
Children should ideally have their first orthodontic assessment by age 7.
However:
- Treatment often begins between 11 and 14 years
- Earlier visits help monitor growth and plan ahead
Types of Braces for Kids
Fixed Metal Braces
- Most common and effective
- Suitable for a wide range of cases
Ceramic Braces
- Less noticeable than metal
- More aesthetic option
Early Treatment Appliances
Used in younger children to guide jaw development before braces.
The right option will depend on your child’s needs, which can be discussed during a consultation for children’s braces treatment. The right option for kids’ braces will depend on your child’s individual needs and treatment goals.
Is It Time for Your Child’s Orthodontic Assessment?
Early assessment can help identify problems before they become more complex. Book a specialist consultation with Dr. Rohini Babber for a personalized treatment plan.
Book Your Child’s Orthodontic Consultation.
What Are the Best Braces for Children?
There isn’t a single type of brace that’s best for every child. The right treatment depends on your child’s age, the position of their teeth, jaw development, and the complexity of the orthodontic problem.
Common options include:
- Fixed metal braces for comprehensive tooth movement
- Fixed ceramic braces for a more discreet appearance
- Early orthodontic appliances designed to guide jaw growth in younger children
During your consultation, a specialist orthodontist will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on a detailed assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Why Do Some Practices Offer Free Orthodontic Consultations?
You may notice that some practices offer free orthodontic consultations, while others charge for an initial visit.
The difference often comes down to the type of assessment you receive.
At some clinics, free consultations are introductory appointments carried out by a treatment coordinator rather than a specialist orthodontist. These are typically designed to provide a general overview of treatment options and costs.
At Landmark Dental, your child’s first visit is a comprehensive orthodontic assessment with specialist orthodontist Dr Rohini Babber.
This includes:
- A detailed clinical examination of teeth, bite, and jaw
- Assessment of growth and timing of treatment
- Professional diagnosis
- A fully personalised treatment plan
This ensures you receive clear, accurate, and expert-led advice from the very beginning—giving you confidence in every step of your child’s treatment journey.
How Much Do Braces Cost for Kids in the UK?
The cost of braces for kids depends on several factors, including the type of braces, the complexity of treatment, and how long treatment is expected to take. At Landmark Dental, fixed braces for children start from £3,600, with flexible monthly payment plans and 0% interest-free finance available to help spread the cost.
Every child receives a personalized treatment plan, so you’ll receive a detailed quotation following your orthodontic assessment.
At Landmark Dental, fixed braces for children start from £3,600.
This includes:
- A fully bespoke treatment plan designed by a specialist orthodontist
- Care led entirely by Dr Rohini Babber (no delegation of key stages)
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustments throughout treatment
- A consistent, high standard of care from start to finish
To make treatment more accessible, Landmark Dental also offers:
- 0% interest-free finance
- Flexible monthly payment options
This means you’re not just paying for braces—you’re investing in specialist-led care, precision, and a personalized approach tailored to your child.
A consultation will provide a clear, detailed cost based on your child’s individual needs and treatment goals.
Are braces free on the NHS?
In the UK, orthodontic treatment may be available on the NHS, but:
- It depends on strict eligibility criteria
- Not all children qualify
- Waiting lists can be long
This often leads parents to explore private treatment options.
NHS vs. Private Orthodontics: What’s the Difference?
NHS Treatment:
- Free if eligible
- Limited availability
- Long waiting times
Private Treatment:
- Faster access (often no waiting lists)
- More flexible appointment options
- Greater choice of treatment
At specialist clinics like Landmark Dental, private treatment also means:
- Care fully overseen by a specialist orthodontist
- No delegation of key treatment stages
- A bespoke treatment plan tailored to your child
- Access to a multidisciplinary team under one roof
This ensures a more personalized, consistent, and high-quality level of care.
What Happens at Your Child’s First Orthodontic Consultation?
At the first visit, you can expect:
- Assessment of teeth, bite, and jaw
- Discussion of whether treatment is needed
- Explanation of suitable brace options
- Clear treatment plan with timelines and costs
The goal is to give parents full clarity before starting treatment.
Signs Your Child May Need Braces
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
- Difficulty chewing
- Jaw misalignment
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
Early evaluation can prevent more complex issues later.
Noticed any of these signs?
Crowding, bite issues, or jaw alignment concerns are easier to treat when assessed early.
✔ Specialist-led care
✔ Personalised treatment plan
✔ Flexible finance available
How to Choose the Right Kids’ Orthodontist
When choosing a children’s orthodontist in Hemel Hempstead, it’s important to look beyond convenience and focus on experience and approach. When choosing a children’s orthodontist near you, it’s important to consider experience, approach, and the level of care provided.
- Specialist orthodontic expertise
- Experience treating children
- A child-friendly approach
- Transparent pricing
- Flexible payment options
Most importantly:
Choose a practice that offers specialist-led care, where your child’s treatment is handled entirely by an experienced orthodontist.
Why Early Orthodontic Assessments Matter
Many orthodontic problems are easier to treat when identified early. While not every child will need braces immediately, an early assessment allows a specialist orthodontist to monitor jaw growth, identify developing bite problems, and recommend the ideal time to begin treatment if necessary.
Early intervention may reduce the complexity of future treatment and can help improve long-term oral health and smile development.
If you’re unsure whether your child is ready for braces, booking an orthodontic assessment is the best first step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces for Kids
How much do braces for kids cost in the UK?
Private braces for children at Landmark Dental start from £3,600. The final cost depends on your child’s individual treatment plan.
At what age should a child get braces?
Children should usually have their first orthodontic assessment by age 7, although treatment commonly begins between 11 and 14 years.
How long do children’s braces take?
Most orthodontic treatment takes between 12 and 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case.
Are braces painful?
Children may experience mild discomfort for a few days after braces are fitted or adjusted, but this usually settles quickly.
Can my child still play sports with braces?
Yes. Children can continue playing sports, although a custom mouthguard is recommended for contact sports.
How do I know if my child needs braces?
Common signs include crowded teeth, bite problems, protruding teeth, gaps between teeth, or difficulty biting and chewing. A specialist orthodontic assessment can determine whether treatment is needed.
Final Thoughts
Braces for kids are not just about straightening teeth—they’re an investment in your child’s long-term oral health and confidence.
While NHS treatment is an option for some, many parents choose private care for the following:
- Faster access
- Personalised treatment
- Specialist-led expertise
Choosing the right provider for children’s braces treatment ensures your child receives consistent, high-quality care throughout their journey.