Orthodontics for children

When to bring your child to an orthodontist

Ideally, the first check-up is between 6 and 8, when the first permanent teeth come through. This is when we can see how the teeth and jaws are developing.

Other reasons to book an appointment:

The school dental screening

In the canton of Vaud, if the school dental screening form says “Une consultation en orthodontie est conseillée” (an orthodontic consultation is advised), you can book directly with us. It means an examination would be useful, not that your child necessarily needs treatment.

Your dentist’s advice

Your child’s dentist may notice a problem with the position of the teeth or the growth of the jaws and suggest an orthodontic opinion.

What you notice at home

Front teeth that stick out, crowded or overlapping teeth, a lower jaw that juts forward, or thumb sucking that carries on.

What we look at during the first check-up

We look in particular at:

• how the permanent teeth are coming through, and whether there is room for them
• how the upper and lower teeth fit together when your child bites
• the width of the dental arches and the growth of the jaws
• habits that affect the teeth, such as thumb sucking

Early treatment and children’s appliances

Early treatment, also called interceptive treatment, starts while a child still has some baby teeth. A small appliance, fixed or removable, is usually enough for this early phase. It can:

• guide the growth of the jaws
• reduce the risk of injury to front teeth that stick out
• balance the width of the upper and lower dental arches
• help a child stop a habit such as thumb sucking
• guide incoming teeth towards a better position
• improve the appearance of the teeth and face

When the palate (the roof of the mouth) is narrow, the upper teeth may lack room or sit inside the lower teeth. During growth, an appliance can widen the upper arch.

Treating some cases during growth can make later treatment simpler, and sometimes avoid the need for jaw surgery.

Around 11 or 12: braces or clear aligners

A second phase often follows once the permanent teeth are through, around the age of 11 or 12, sometimes earlier.

Depending on the case, we use metal braces, ceramic braces or clear aligners (Invisalign, Spark, Angel). Aligners are not only for adults: we also use them for growing children and teenagers.

When treatment ends, a retainer helps hold the teeth in their new position.

Your child’s first consultation: what happens and what it costs

Dr Michael Taieb, specialist in orthodontics, sees you together with your child, in English or French.

What happens

An examination of the teeth and jaws, then a conversation with you and your child: what we see, whether treatment is needed and, if so, when.

Cost

CHF 105 for the first consultation. The cost of any treatment depends on how complex it is, how long it takes and which appliance is used: see fees and insurance.

If treatment is planned

We take photos, X-rays and digital impressions to draw up the treatment plan. You receive a written estimate before treatment starts, with no obligation to proceed.

Booking

Book the first consultation online or call +41 22 365 15 40.

The practice is on the 2nd floor of Rue Juste-Olivier 8 in Nyon, two minutes’ walk from the railway station and the Perdtemps car park.

Insurance

Dr Taieb is recognised by invalidity insurance (AI) and supplementary health insurers.

You can pay in instalments: see written estimate and payment in instalments.