Early Orthodontics for Children
Early orthodontics is a check of a growing child's teeth and jaws, with treatment where it helps, for problems such as a narrow upper jaw, crossbite or crowding. At our Al Qusais, Dubai clinic, these checks and jaw expansion are done by our specialist orthodontist, while the jaws are still growing and easier to guide.
What does an early check look for?
- Crossbite: some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, often because the upper jaw is narrow.
- Crowding: not enough room for the adult teeth that are coming through.
- Protruding front teeth that are more likely to be knocked and chipped.
- Mouth breathing: this can go together with a narrow upper jaw. Tell the orthodontist if you notice it, or snoring, or sleeping with the mouth open.
- Habits such as thumb-sucking that continue as the adult teeth arrive.
Why does timing matter?
The upper jaw is made of two halves joined along the middle of the palate. In children this joint has not yet fused, so a fixed expander can widen the upper jaw gently over a few weeks. Dr. Namshir explains that this skeletal expansion is easiest around the ages of 10 to 12, before the joint fuses; after that it is still possible, but needs a different technique.
What treatments are used?
Rapid maxillary expansion (RME)
A fixed appliance attached to the upper back teeth. It is turned a small amount on a schedule the orthodontist gives you, widening the upper jaw over several weeks, then left in place for a while so the new bone can settle. A gap between the front teeth often appears during expansion; this is expected and is closed later.
MARPE (mini-implant-assisted expansion)
For older teenagers and adults whose palate joint has fused, the expander is anchored on small mini-implants in the palate so the force goes into the bone rather than the teeth. Dr. Namshir trained in MARPE and uses it where a conventional expander would not work.
Many children who have early treatment still need braces or clear aligners later to finish aligning the teeth; the early phase aims to make that later treatment simpler.
What happens at the first visit?
The orthodontist examines your child's teeth, bite and jaw, and may take photos, a digital scan and X-rays. You will hear whether treatment is needed now, later or not at all, and what each option involves. Bring your child's dental records if they have seen another dentist recently.
An expansion appliance (RME) starts from AED 1,500 and MARPE from AED 2,200; see our prices.
Risks and what to expect
What to expect
An early check needs only an examination and, where needed, X-rays. If treatment helps, it is usually a shorter first phase with an appliance such as an expander, worn for some months. Many children still need braces or aligners later, once the adult teeth are through.
Possible side effects and risks
- Pressure or aching for a few days after an expander is fitted or turned
- A temporary gap between the upper front teeth while the jaw is widened
- Changes to speech and more saliva for the first days with an appliance
- Sore spots on the gums or cheeks, and decay or gum inflammation if the appliance is hard to clean around
- With mini-implant expanders (MARPE): discomfort or inflammation around the mini-implants, and rarely a mini-implant loosening
Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed. At your consultation your clinician will explain the risks that apply to you, and the alternatives, before you decide.
Early Orthodontics for Children — Frequently Asked Questions
Earlier than many parents expect. Problems with jaw width are easiest to treat while a child is growing: Dr. Namshir explains that expansion is easiest around 10 to 12, before the palate fuses. A check before then lets you plan.
It is not usually painful. Children often feel pressure for a short time after each turn, and speech and eating take a few days to adjust. A gap between the front teeth often appears during expansion; this is expected and is closed later.
Often, yes. Early treatment deals with the jaw and the space for the teeth; braces or aligners may still be needed later to finish aligning them, usually with a simpler plan.
A rapid maxillary expander (RME) starts from AED 1,500 and a mini-implant-assisted expander (MARPE) from AED 2,200. The orthodontist confirms which appliance your child needs, and the cost, after the examination.
Dr. Ahamed Namshir currently sees orthodontic patients on Sundays. Call or WhatsApp us to book a Sunday consultation; the first one is free.
Interested in Early Orthodontics for Children?
Meet the clinician, get a clear plan with the price, and decide in your own time. We are in Al Qusais, Dubai, open every day from 10 am to 10 pm.
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