Children’s Orthodontics: OrthoKids

Children’s orthodontics uses a child’s growth and development to support the healthy development of the teeth and jaws. An early examination often means monitoring rather than treatment. When needed, it allows us to intervene at the right time. In Fethiye, we take a calm, unhurried approach for children that involves the whole family.

What is OrthoKids?

OrthoKids is the early clear aligner treatment we offer specifically for children at our clinic. It aims to guide the development of the jaws and teeth in children with mixed dentition, meaning both baby teeth and permanent teeth are present. It is removable and contains no metal wires. Children can take the aligner out to eat and brush their teeth, which makes oral hygiene easier.

Systems within OrthoKids

Invisalign First: A clear aligner system developed for children. It can be used early in cases such as a narrow jaw, crowded teeth and bite problems. Some permanent teeth need to have erupted, so suitability is decided at the examination.

Spark Junior: The version of Spark designed for children and young people in the mixed dentition stage. It aims to prepare the ground for later treatment (phase 2) through early treatment (phase 1).

Our clinic is a provider of both systems. Which one is right for your child is decided at the examination, based on the teeth and jaws.

Which problems are assessed early in children?

Crowded or spaced teeth, a narrow jaw, crossbite, open bite, noticeably protruding front teeth, a lower or upper jaw that is set back or forward, and early loss of baby teeth. Some of these problems can be guided more easily during growth.

Do bad habits affect the teeth?

Habits such as thumb sucking, prolonged dummy use, mouth breathing and tongue thrusting can affect the development of the teeth and jaws. We assess these habits at the examination and explain to the family what can be done.

Your child’s first visit to the orthodontist

Making sure your child is not afraid is our priority. At the first appointment we examine the teeth and jaws calmly and take X-rays and a digital scan if needed. Because we have a digital scanner and our own X-ray units, records are usually completed at the same appointment. We explain the process to the child and answer the family’s questions.

How does treatment progress?

1. Examination and records: The teeth, jaws and bite are assessed.

2. Plan: Depending on the child’s age and needs, monitoring, appliances that guide jaw development, braces or, in suitable cases, clear aligners are considered.

3. Treatment: If aligners are used, we show the child and the family how to use them.

4. Check-ups: Development is monitored at regular check-ups.

5. Next stage: When the permanent teeth are complete, a second phase of treatment begins if needed.

How can you help as a parent?

For children with aligners, wearing them for the recommended time is very important. Help with regular brushing at home, make sure the aligner is kept in its case, and do not miss check-up appointments. Using encouraging, positive language also helps your child stick with treatment.

Is early treatment necessary for every child?

No. Not every child needs early treatment, and for some children monitoring alone is enough. Early treatment is often not enough on its own either; a second phase may be needed when the permanent teeth are complete. We explain this clearly to families from the start.

After treatment

After treatment, retention (a retainer) is used if needed to protect the result. Details are on our Retention page.

Frequently asked questions

Is early intervention essential for my child? Not for every child; it is decided at the examination.

Will the aligners bother my child? There may be a short adjustment period in the first days; most children get used to them quickly.

What if they forget to wear the aligner? Wearing the aligner regularly is important; we explain to the family what to do if it is forgotten.

Can a parent be present at the examination? Yes, the process is planned together with the family.

At what age does it start? It is assessed during the mixed dentition stage; suitability varies from child to child.

To book an examination, contact us by phone (+90 542 624 79 05) or WhatsApp.