Matthew Bell
Best dental practice we’ve ever had. Had a string of disappointments over the years and Pearly Whites is so well organised and professional.
Invisalign for Children and Teens in Fulham
Clear, removable alternatives to metal braces for growing smiles, from Dr Lia Melconian, who has treated hundreds of Invisalign cases for children, teenagers and adults.
- The Invisalign Palatal Expander: no metal and no screw to turn
- Invisalign First for children, usually around 6 to 10
- Invisalign Teen once the adult teeth are through
- Free consultation with a 3D scan, no messy impressions
- After-school appointments
4.6 from 300+ Google reviewsFamily-run practice on Munster Road, SW6
Does my child need braces yet?
The right time depends on the child
“Does my child need braces yet?” is one of the questions Dr Lia is asked most, and the honest answer depends on the child. Sometimes the best thing is to keep watching. Sometimes it’s early aligners such as Invisalign First, and sometimes it’s expansion to make room for the adult teeth.
Treating while a child is still growing works with their growth rather than against it. Problems like a narrow upper jaw, a crossbite or a lack of room for adult teeth are much easier to address in a young child than in a teenager or adult, when the same change can mean more complex treatment.
If your child’s adult teeth are starting to come through, that is when the options are widest. Mention it at their next check-up, or book a consultation.
Treatments
Three options for growing smiles
Growing children
Invisalign Palatal Expander
Gently widens a narrow upper jaw while the bones are still growing. It’s 3D printed to a scan of your child’s palate, stays in day and night and comes out only for brushing. No metal, and no screw for a parent to turn. From £995.
Around 6 to 10
Invisalign First
Early treatment while baby and adult teeth are both present. Clear aligners straighten the front teeth and help develop the arches, so the adult teeth have room to come through. From £2,995.
Teenagers
Invisalign Teen
Clear aligners for teenagers, with room for teeth still coming through and wear indicators that show how often they’re being worn. No brackets to break before a match or a school photo. From £4,495.
Expansion
The Palatal Expander vs a fixed metal expander
For years, expansion meant a metal appliance cemented across the roof of the mouth with a small screw a parent turns each day. It works and still has its place, but it is bulky, tricky to keep clean and a lot to ask of a young child. Dr Lia’s preference now, when it suits the case, is the Invisalign Palatal Expander.
| Feature | Invisalign Palatal Expander | Fixed metal expander |
|---|---|---|
| Made from | Smooth plastic, 3D printed to your child’s palate | Metal, cemented to the back teeth |
| Daily adjustments | None, you switch to the next expander as directed | A parent turns a screw each day |
| Cleaning | Comes out for brushing | Food can catch around it |
| Comfort | Discreet, and children tolerate it well | Bulky, and can affect speech and eating |
Your child’s dentist
Dr Lia Melconian
Dr Lia, our Founder and Principal Dentist, has a special interest in orthodontics and has treated hundreds of Invisalign cases, including children with Invisalign First and the Palatal Expander, and teenagers with Invisalign Teen.
She recommends the treatment that’s right for your child’s teeth and jaw, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, and will tell you honestly if the right answer is to wait. She is known for her gentle, patient approach with nervous children and adults alike.
How it works
What to expect
Free consultation
Dr Lia checks your child’s teeth, bite and jaw growth, and talks you both through the options. A quick 3D scan replaces messy impressions.
A plan you can see
You’ll see how the teeth are expected to move, how long it should take and what it costs, before you decide.
Treatment that fits around school
Aligners and expanders come out for brushing, check-ups are short, and we offer after-school appointments.
Retainers
Once the teeth are in place, retainers keep them there.
Prices
Prices
- Consultation with Dr Lia£50 deposit to book, refunded when you attendFree
- Invisalign Palatal Expander£82.92 a month with 0% finance£995
- Invisalign First£249.58 a month with 0% finance£2,995
- Invisalign Teen£374.58 a month with 0% finance£4,495
0% finance over up to 12 months, with longer terms of up to 60 months available with interest.
Children’s dental care
Free NHS check-ups for under-18s
NHS dental care is free for children under 18, and your child can join us even if you’re not a patient yourself. Regular check-ups are also the best way to spot early whether your child might benefit from Invisalign First or expansion.
Reviews
What families say
jay
Best dental practive in area..✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Nicola Gerhard
Always made to feel valued as a patient, Dr Lia is a wonderful dentist.
john hill
Dr Lia and Nurse Shukri
Practice manager Zahra were all wonderful- I actually look forward to coming to the dentist. All so kind & competent & happy.
Justin Thomas
What a wonderful team! I can’t recommend the Invisalign treatment highly enough in the hands of this capable team. Thank you for all you’ve done over the last few months. A very happy client!
FAQ
Questions from parents
What age can children start Invisalign?
Invisalign First is usually for children around 6 to 10, while they still have a mix of baby and adult teeth. The Palatal Expander is used while the upper jaw is still growing, and Invisalign Teen once most adult teeth are through. Dr Lia will advise on the right time for your child.
Does my child need braces yet?
It depends on the child. Sometimes the best thing is to keep an eye on things; sometimes early treatment now makes later treatment simpler. A consultation with Dr Lia will give you an honest answer.
What is the Invisalign Palatal Expander?
A removable appliance, 3D printed to fit your child’s palate, that gently widens a narrow upper jaw while it is still growing. Unlike a fixed metal expander, there is no screw to turn and it comes out for brushing.
How much does Invisalign for children cost?
At Pearly Whites, Invisalign First is from £2,995, the Invisalign Palatal Expander from £995 and Invisalign Teen from £4,495, with 0% finance over up to 12 months. The consultation is free.
Is Invisalign for children available on the NHS?
No, Invisalign is a private treatment. NHS orthodontic treatment for under-18s is for more severe problems and is by referral, often with a wait. NHS check-ups for children are free at Pearly Whites.
Will my child actually wear the aligners?
Invisalign Teen aligners have wear indicators so you can see how often they’re being worn, and children generally find the Palatal Expander more comfortable than a fixed metal one, which helps it be worn as prescribed.
Can my child play sport and eat normally?
Yes. There are no brackets or wires to break, and aligners come out for meals, so there are no foods to avoid.
Not sure if it’s time?
Book a free consultation with Dr Lia on Munster Road, Fulham SW6. She’ll check your child’s teeth and growth and tell you honestly whether to start now or wait.
