A child would benefit from early treatment if the following exists:

• Jaws are too far forward or back
• Front teeth do not meet, or meet in an abnormal way
• Facial appearance is unbalanced
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing
• Breathing through the mouth
• Thumb sucking
• Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
• Biting the cheeks or into the roof of the mouth
• Grinding or clenching the teeth

Early orthodontic treatment will improve your child’s smile at a young age, boosting their self esteem. It will also improve the position of particular teeth, enhance the stability of our final orthodontic result, and some may benefit from improved facial alignment and profile.

• URA brace (upper removable appliance)
• Functional brace
• Invisalign braces with wings

Because the plastic aligners are 3-d printed for each patient, the shape will be very snug and should always be comfortable to wear. Relative to metal braces, there are no wire pokes and because the trays are changed each week, there is always a gentle step between each one which is barely noticeable if they are being worn full-time.

If the aligners are worn consistently 22 hours per day, it can be a very efficient and speedy treatment, if they are left out for more than 3-4 hours per day, the treatment can take longer than fixed metal braces which are constantly working 24/7 to straighten your teeth.

Yes, all forms of tooth straightening ( whether with wire metal braces or plastic aligners like Invisalign) will require retainers at the end of treatment, they should be worn for 12 hours every night for 2 years after the orthodontic treatment has been completed and thereafter it is customised to each individual. Most patients choose to wear their retainers every night indefinitely to prevent the normal effects of ageing which can cause front teeth to become overcrowded, overbites to increase and smiles can also become narrower over time!

Every type of brace feels odd at first, however, because the aligners do not cover the roof of the mouth, there is a minimal effect on speech, most patients notice a slight effect for the first few days of treatment but our tongues are quite effective at adapting to aligners. Clear speech is always found with patients who wear the aligners full-time. Lisping is usually a give away sign that the aligners are not fitting well as they have been left out for too long and the teeth have moved backwards

Angel Aligner includes unique features that improve the orthodontic experience:

• Tongue Training Accessories – These encourage the tongue to rest at the roof of the mouth rather than pushing forward, helping to prevent bite issues such as open bites and overbites.
  

• Custom Fit for Short or Baby Teeth – The aligners can be customized to extend slightly onto the gum line for a better grip, making them a great option for patients with multiple baby teeth.

• Integrated Elastic Attachments – Unlike traditional aligners that require attachments glued to the enamel, Angel Aligner features built-in elastic buttons. This reduces the need for additional visits and prevents attachments from detaching when eating crunchy foods.

• Highly discreet and comfortable to wear

• No metal brackets or wires

• Customizable design for complex cases

• Built-in features to reduce clinic visits

• AI-powered treatment planning for precise results

The treatment time depends on the complexity of your case. During your consultation, Dr. O’Donnell will assess your teeth and provide a treatment timeline tailored to your needs.

Angel Aligner KiD is a specialized clear aligner system for children that helps:

• Prevent – Develop the arch form, maintain space, and align teeth as they grow.

• Guide – Encourage the normal eruption of permanent teeth and proper jaw positioning.

• Intercept – Address habits like tongue thrusting and improve tongue posture for better oral development.

Your child may benefit from early orthodontic treatment if they experience:

• Misaligned teeth or crowding

• An overbite, underbite, or open bite

• Difficulty chewing or speaking

• Tongue-thrusting habits or poor tongue posture

• Early or late loss of baby teeth

• Helps guide jaw and teeth development early on

• Prevents more severe orthodontic issues later in life

• Uses clear, comfortable, and removable aligners

• Incorporates functional therapy for a more holistic treatment approach

The duration of treatment varies depending on your child’s dental needs. A consultation with Dr. O’Donnell will help determine the best treatment plan.