Early & Interceptive Orthodontics in Children

Orthodontic Treatment for Children in Dublin

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.

When Should a Child See an Orthodontist?

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:

• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Mouth breathing or habitual open-mouth posture
• Thumb sucking or dummy use beyond the age of 4–5
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Upper front teeth that are prominent or at risk of injury
• Lower teeth that bite in front of the upper teeth (underbite)
• Crowding, crossbite, or significantly irregular teeth
• Snoring, disturbed sleep, or signs of breathing difficulties

Treatments Available for Children in Dublin

Jaw Development and Expansion

• Palatal Expansion for Children — widening the upper jaw using child-appropriate expanders to correct crossbites, improve arch width, and support nasal breathing.

Figure 1: RPE or Hyrax Expander for Children

Figure 2: Expansion before and after

Tooth Alignment

• 2×4 Sectional Braces — limited fixed braces to align key front teeth following expansion or to address specific early alignment problems
• Clear Aligners for Children — removable aligner treatment for anterior crossbites, mild crowding, and selected cases with mandibular advancement features

Jaw Protraction

•  Facemask (upper jaw protraction)— facemask therapy to advance the upper jaw and correct an underbite or class III bite in growing children

Specialist Care

• Airway-Focused Treatment for Children — orthodontic assessment and treatment planning with nasal breathing, oral habits, and sleep health in mind, in collaboration with ENT surgeons and otolaryngologists

Why Choose Lusk Orthodontics for Your Child’s Orthodontic Care

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 an titular member of the European Society of Lingual Orthodontics (ESLO) and Active member 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.

What to Expect at a Child Orthodontic Assessment

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.

Book your Children’s Orthodontic Assessment