In selected cases, children can benefit significantly from a course of aligner treatment — addressing specific dental and bite problems with a removable, discreet appliance that fits into childhood life without the dietary restrictions or hygiene challenges of fixed braces.
At Lusk Orthodontics, clear aligner treatment for children is delivered by Dr Erfan Salloum — the only orthodontist in Ireland to hold certification from the European Board of Aligner Orthodontics (EBAO) — ensuring that even the youngest aligner patients receive the highest standard of specialist planning and care.
Aligner treatment in children is not appropriate for every case — it is a targeted tool used for specific problems at the right stage of dental development. Common applications include:
Anterior Crossbite Correction
An anterior crossbite — where one or more of the upper front teeth bite behind the lower teeth — is one of the most effective uses of aligner therapy in children. Clear aligners can tip the affected tooth or teeth forward into the correct position, eliminating the crossbite and removing the abnormal forces it places on the developing dentition.
Correcting an anterior crossbite in a child is important: left untreated, it can cause wear on the lower teeth, adverse loading of the affected upper teeth, and, in more significant cases, can influence the direction of jaw growth unfavourably over time.
Mild Crowding and Spacing
Where a child has mild crowding or spacing in the mixed dentition that warrants early correction — and where the compliance and motivation are present — clear aligners can address this without the need for fixed braces.
Selected Cases with Mandibular Advancement Features
In children with a significant overjet — where the upper front teeth protrude prominently — there is an increased risk of dental trauma, particularly in active children involved in sport. Where a child is not yet at the growth stage optimal for functional appliance therapy, clear aligners with mandibular advancement features can be used to reduce the overjet and lower the risk of injury to the upper front teeth, while also beginning to guide the jaw relationship in a more favourable direction.
Aligners with built-in mandibular advancement components hold the lower jaw in a slightly forward position during wear, harnessing the growth potential of the developing jaw to begin the correction of the bite — combining the function of a growth appliance with the tooth-alignment capability of a clear aligner in a single, removable device.
Clear aligners in children are most appropriate for patients who are motivated, responsible for consistent wear, and old enough to understand and manage the requirements of the treatment. Aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day to be effective. A frank and honest conversation about suitability and compliance is always part of the consultation.
Where a child is unlikely to manage consistent aligner wear, fixed braces or other appliances will be recommended instead — the goal is always to choose the treatment that will deliver the best result for that individual child. To find out whether clear aligners are suitable for your child, book a specialist assessment at Lusk Orthodontics.
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,...”
There is no fixed minimum age — suitability is assessed on an individual basis taking into account the stage of dental development, the nature of the problem being treated, and the child’s maturity and motivation. Most children treated with aligners at an early stage are between 7 and 12 years old.
Most children adjust to wearing aligners quickly. Some mild pressure when a new aligner is first worn is normal and settles within a day or two.
Replacement aligners are available. The process and any associated cost will be explained at the outset of treatment.
Early aligner treatment addresses specific problems at the right developmental stage. In most cases, further orthodontic treatment — either fixed braces or a further aligner course — will be carried out in the teenage years once the permanent dentition is fully established.
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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