Early orthodontic assessment and, where appropriate, early treatment can make a significant and lasting difference to the development of a child’s jaws, teeth, and airway. Not all children need orthodontic treatment at a young age, but for those who do, acting at the right time can correct problems that would become far more difficult, costly, or impossible to address once growth is complete.
At Lusk Orthodontics, we provide specialist orthodontic care for children with a focus on growth guidance, jaw development, and airway health, as well as the alignment of the teeth. Every child is assessed as an individual, with treatment timing determined by their specific developmental stage rather than by age alone.
At Lusk Orthodontics, our specialist orthodontist Dr Erfan Salloum is one of the most qualified and highly regarded orthodontists in Ireland. His expertise spans the full lifecycle of orthodontic care, from early interceptive treatment in young children to complex adult and surgical cases, and his approach to children’s orthodontics is rooted in careful timing, growth awareness, and long-term planning.
Dr Salloum is Double Board Certified, holding both the European Board of Orthodontics (EBO) and the European Board of Aligner Orthodontics (EBAO) — and is a titular member of the European Society of Lingual Orthodontics (ESLO) and an active member of the World Society of Lingual Orthodontics (WSLO). He is the only orthodontist in Ireland to hold all of these distinctions simultaneously.
These qualifications, combined with a genuine interest in airway-focused and growth-guided orthodontics, make Lusk Orthodontics one of the most appropriate practices in Ireland for the assessment and early treatment of children with developing orthodontic and airway concerns.
Jaw Development and Expansion
Tooth Alignment
A children’s assessment at Lusk Orthodontics is thorough but relaxed. The appointment includes a clinical examination of the teeth, jaws, and soft tissues; photographs; and, where indicated, appropriate radiographs. Breathing pattern, oral habits, and sleep history are also discussed. Following the assessment, the findings are explained clearly to parents with a recommendation for either early treatment, a monitoring plan with a review date, or simply a note to return when the permanent dentition is more fully established. No unnecessary treatment is recommended, and no pressure is applied.
5.0
We highly recommend Dr Erfan Sallom. He transformed our daughter’s teeth, and she’s extremely happy with her beautiful smile! We were looking for an Orthodontist who had a reputable history, gave excellent results, held high standards, was kind and gentle, and that is what we got. She didn’t have to get any teeth removed, which was a bonus. Really appreciated the individual time, updates, never felt rushed, and a personable approach. Thank you, Erfan. – Georgina
5.0
I was very anxious about orthodontic treatment and, as such, delayed it for years. I did not need to be nervous with the expertise and professionalism of Erfan. He was very motivational and ensured I achieved an excellent result. I am now extremely happy with my smile. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone. – Ciara K
5.0
I would really recommend anyone to Dr Erfan Salloum. My experience with Erfan was amazing. I had no issue; he was very knowledgeable about his work and was always happy to explain the next steps with my treatment and concerns, or answer any questions about my treatment plan, etc!
I would recommend Erfan to anyone, there’s no safer hands to be in than Erfan for sure! – Martin R
5.0
I have just finished my two-year orthodontic treatment with Dr Erfan, and I would highly recommend him. He explained everything perfectly about the treatment plan, and I was always treated with great care. You are in good hands! Many thanks. – Julie P
5.0
I would highly recommend Dr Erfan from start to finish. He took the time to make the entire process for our daughter as easy as possible. We are delighted with the results & she has received many compliments on her beautiful smile. – Caroline C
5.0
I’m very happy with my treatment and results. I was delighted with Dr Erfan Salloum’s attention to detail, and so happy he took the time to make sure everything was perfect. Thank you. – Orlaith D
5.0
My daughter has been under the care of Dr Erfan Salloum for the past three years, as she had a lot of work to be done. She has had braces removed, and the result is stunning. We are thrilled about how well everything went. – Elizabeth G
5.0
Absolutely delighted with my results. Thank you to Dr Erfan and his team for taking care of me so well! Treatment lasted 24 months, and it was so worth it. Would recommend it to everyone! – Ang
5.0
Everyone was very nice and professional, and Dr Erfan Salloum did a great job with my braces. – Matthew C
5.0
I am very grateful to Dr Efran Salloum for taking the time to do a free video consultation with me to discuss my issue. He listened attentively to my concerns, offered insight and advised me of a range of clear options to explore for my particular issue (which concerns narrow airways). I very much appreciated his expertise, which he conveyed with kindness and without expectation. I would highly recommend Dr Efran for his expert knowledge and professionalism. – Shelagh S
5.0
My daughter had a great experience, thrilled with the results. She was treated very well at every appointment and now has a gorgeous smile thanks to Erfan and the team. – Auds C
5.0
Incredibly happy with my experience with Dr Erfan. He was a pleasure to deal with throughout the process, explained everything clearly, offered all support needed, and the results have been absolutely perfect. Ultimately, I can’t recommend Dr Erfan highly enough. He and his team are incredibly professional and highly skilled, so you’ll be in safe hands throughout your treatment. – Laurence W
5.0
We highly recommend Dr Erfan Sallom. He transformed our daughter’s teeth, and she’s extremely happy with her beautiful smile! We were looking for an Orthodontist who had a reputable history, gave excellent results, held high standards, was kind and gentle, and that is what we got. She didn’t have to get any teeth removed, which was a bonus. Really appreciated the individual time, updates, never felt rushed, and a personable approach. Thank you, Erfan. – Georgina
5.0
I was very anxious about orthodontic treatment and, as such, delayed it for years. I did not need to be nervous with the expertise and professionalism of Erfan. He was very motivational and ensured I achieved an excellent result. I am now extremely happy with my smile. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone. – Ciara K
5.0
I would really recommend anyone to Dr Erfan Salloum. My experience with Erfan was amazing. I had no issue; he was very knowledgeable about his work and was always happy to explain the next steps with my treatment and concerns, or answer any questions about my treatment plan, etc!
I would recommend Erfan to anyone, there’s no safer hands to be in than Erfan for sure! – Martin R
5.0
I have just finished my two-year orthodontic treatment with Dr Erfan, and I would highly recommend him. He explained everything perfectly about the treatment plan, and I was always treated with great care. You are in good hands! Many thanks. – Julie P
5.0
I would highly recommend Dr Erfan from start to finish. He took the time to make the entire process for our daughter as easy as possible. We are delighted with the results & she has received many compliments on her beautiful smile. – Caroline C
5.0
I’m very happy with my treatment and results. I was delighted with Dr Erfan Salloum’s attention to detail, and so happy he took the time to make sure everything was perfect. Thank you. – Orlaith D
5.0
My daughter has been under the care of Dr Erfan Salloum for the past three years, as she had a lot of work to be done. She has had braces removed, and the result is stunning. We are thrilled about how well everything went. – Elizabeth G
5.0
Absolutely delighted with my results. Thank you to Dr Erfan and his team for taking care of me so well! Treatment lasted 24 months, and it was so worth it. Would recommend it to everyone! – Ang
5.0
Everyone was very nice and professional, and Dr Erfan Salloum did a great job with my braces. – Matthew C
5.0
I am very grateful to Dr Efran Salloum for taking the time to do a free video consultation with me to discuss my issue. He listened attentively to my concerns, offered insight and advised me of a range of clear options to explore for my particular issue (which concerns narrow airways). I very much appreciated his expertise, which he conveyed with kindness and without expectation. I would highly recommend Dr Efran for his expert knowledge and professionalism. – Shelagh S
5.0
My daughter had a great experience, thrilled with the results. She was treated very well at every appointment and now has a gorgeous smile thanks to Erfan and the team. – Auds C
5.0
Incredibly happy with my experience with Dr Erfan. He was a pleasure to deal with throughout the process, explained everything clearly, offered all support needed, and the results have been absolutely perfect. Ultimately, I can’t recommend Dr Erfan highly enough. He and his team are incredibly professional and highly skilled, so you’ll be in safe hands throughout your treatment. – Laurence W
Dr Erfan Salloum is the founder and lead orthodontist at Lusk Orthodontics. Widely recognised as one of the most highly qualified orthodontists in Ireland, he specialises in complex orthodontic care, clear aligners,…
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“We highly recommend Dr Erfan Sallom. He transformed our daughter’s teeth, and she’s extremely happy with her beautiful smile! We were looking for an Orthodontist...”
“I was very anxious about orthodontic treatment and, as such, delayed it for years. I did not need to be nervous with the expertise and...”
“I would really recommend anyone to Dr Erfan Salloum. My experience with Erfan was amazing. I had no issue; he was very knowledgeable about his...”
“I have just finished my two-year orthodontic treatment with Dr Erfan, and I would highly recommend him. He explained everything perfectly about the treatment plan,...”
For most children, the ideal age for a first orthodontic evaluation is by the age of 7, when the first permanent molars and incisors have typically erupted. This does not mean treatment will begin at this age; in many cases, it will not, but it allows a specialist to identify any developing problems, advise on the ideal time to intervene, and monitor growth in the interim.
However, where there are concerns about airway or sleep-disordered breathing, an earlier evaluation is sometimes warranted and should not be delayed. Orthodontic interventions such as palatal expansion can act as an important adjunct to comprehensive airway management in young children. Simply waiting while a child is not breathing or sleeping well is not a neutral decision: it deprives the child of the normal, optimal neurocognitive development that depends on restorative sleep. The early years of a child’s life are critical for brain development, learning, behaviour, and growth, and if a structural problem is contributing to disturbed sleep or impaired nasal breathing during this window, acting promptly can make a meaningful and lasting difference to the child’s development and wellbeing.
Signs that warrant an assessment, and potentially an earlier one where airway or sleep concerns are present, include:
Book a consultation today and let our friendly team guide you towards a healthier, more confident smile with personalised advice, modern treatments, and genuine care every step of the way.
Book a Consultation BACK TO For ChildrenAt Lusk Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer one of the most comprehensive ranges of orthodontic treatments in Dublin and across Ireland — all delivered to the highest clinical standards.
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