Braces for children in Amsterdam

There is no fixed age for a first check-up. Are you unsure about the position of your child's teeth, their bite or their breathing? Then we look together at whether and when treatment makes sense. After the first consultation, you know where you stand, even if the answer is that it is not needed yet.

As a guideline, the Dutch dental association (KNMT) and the Dutch orthodontic association (NVvO) mention an age of around 10 to have it assessed, even if your child has not lost all their baby teeth yet. If you notice something that worries you before then, you can also come in earlier.

A few signs that make it worthwhile to come in:

• The teeth are crooked, or there seems to be too little room for the new teeth.
• The bite is not right, for example with an overbite, an open bite or a crossbite.
• Your child often breathes through the mouth or snores. Also read if your child breathes through their mouth.
• You are unsure. A first consultation is worthwhile then too.

Which brace it will be depends on your child's age, on what needs to happen in the teeth and on what fits your family's daily life. If you would like to take your time comparing the options first, read which brace suits you.

Removable braces

A removable brace is often the first step for children. A plate brace or an activator helps to guide the growth of the jaws. Sometimes fixed braces or aligners follow afterwards. More about removable braces.

Fixed braces

Fixed braces consist of brackets on the teeth, connected by a wire. They stay in place and work day and night, so your child does not have to remember them. A treatment takes 12 to 24 months on average, with a check-up every month. More about fixed braces.

Aligners for teenagers

For teenagers, there are also clear aligners: Invisalign Teen. They work just as well as fixed braces, and sometimes even better. Your child takes them out to eat and to brush, and wears them for at least 22 hours a day. Aligners replace braces with brackets, but not the braces that guide growth, such as an activator. More about Invisalign Teen.

Mouth breathing, snoring or a narrow upper jaw can be related to how the jaws grow. That is why we also pay attention to breathing in children. If we see signs, we discuss what orthodontics can do and refer where necessary, for example to an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor or a speech therapist. More about airway orthodontics.

1. First consultation. You register your child directly with us, without a referral. We look at the teeth and discuss what you and your child would like to achieve.
2. A scan, not an impression. We make a 3D scan of the teeth. We do not use impression material.
3. Treatment plan. You hear whether and when treatment makes sense, which brace suits your child, how long it takes and what it costs. You can read how our fees work and what your health insurance covers under what braces cost.
4. Check-ups. With fixed braces every month, with aligners every 8 to 12 weeks.
5. Retainer. After the braces, a removable retainer holds the result: every night for the first year, then 3 to 5 nights a week for life. More about retainers.

• Brushing. With fixed braces, brushing well remains important. You will find tips in brushing with braces. If the gums still bleed after a few weeks of good brushing, or are very painful and swollen, see the dentist or dental hygienist.
• Eating. With fixed braces, your child avoids chewing gum, including sugar-free gum. Aligners come out for meals.
• Sensitive teeth. Teeth move at most about one millimetre per month. After a new step, they may feel sensitive for a few days; this usually passes within a week.
• Sport can simply carry on. You can read how your child protects their mouth in playing sport with braces.
• Appointments. The practice is open Monday to Friday, from 08:30 to 17:30.

Your child is treated by Drs. Lotte Meereboer, dentist specialising in orthodontics (MSc Orthodontics). She has more than 18 years of experience in orthodontics and treats children, teenagers and adults. About Lotte

The practice is at Teniersstraat 2 hs, near Museumplein in Amsterdam-Zuid, within walking distance of the Concertgebouw. Trams 3, 5, 12 and 16 take you close by, and from Zuid, Oud-West, De Pijp and the city centre you are here in no time.