Children’s & Teens’ Orthodontic Plates in Sydney for Early Bite Correction

Early orthodontic treatment makes all the difference for children or teenagers who have misaligned teeth or bite issues. Orthoworx provides custom, removable orthodontic plates for children and teenagers to correct minor bite problems and guide healthy jaw development.

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What is an Orthodontic Plate?

An orthodontic plate is a custom, removable dental appliance for correcting bite issues, minor misalignments, and jaw development concerns. Unlike traditional braces that are fixed to the teeth, orthodontic plates can be taken out by the patient for eating, brushing, or other special occasions.

Orthodontic plate treatment is commonly used in the early stages of orthodontic care or as part of a wider treatment plan. It is recommended for children whose jaws are still growing, but it’s also helpful for adults who need minor corrections or post-braces retention.

The Benefits of Choosing Orthodontic Plates for Kids

Because they’re removable orthodontic appliances, they are comfortable and flexible without requiring the commitment of fixed braces. Orthodontic plates are helpful for specific cases where full braces aren’t necessary. They are best suited for:

Children between 7 and 12 years old who show early signs of misalignment or crowding
Teens with minor alignment or spacing issues
Early intervention to avoid extensive orthodontic treatment in the future
Correcting habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting that can affect tooth position

Orthodontic Plates vs Braces: Which One Should You Choose?

Feature	Orthodontic Plate	Traditional Braces
Type	Removable appliance	Fixed appliance
Best For	Minor alignment and bite issues	Moderate to severe misalignment
Comfort	Custom-fit and generally more comfortable	May cause soreness and requires adjustment
Visibility	Subtle and can be removed if needed	Always visible while being worn
Maintenance	Removable and easier to clean	Requires maintenance and special cleaning techniques
Treatment Duration	Often shorter for minor issues	Longer for complex cases
Cost	More affordable for early treatment (around $800 – $2,500)	Higher overall cost for full correction

If you’re unsure whether a removable orthodontic device or traditional braces are right for you, our specialists can walk you through your options during consultation, or learn more about the differences between plates and braces.

What to Expect During Consultation and Procedure

Here’s how we approach orthodontic consultation in Sydney for plate treatment:

Step 1: Initial Consultation — Our practitioners assess your teeth, jaw alignment, and bite, and depending on your needs, X-rays and impressions may be taken.
Step 2: Treatment Planning — Dr. Chan will explain if a custom plate fitting is the right choice for your needs or if other dental treatment options may be more effective.
Step 3: Impression and Design — We create a digital or physical mould of the mouth to create your custom removable orthodontic device.
Step 4: Fitting the Plate — Once the mould is ready, you will be asked to come in for a fitting. During this stage, we will make adjustments to ensure the orthodontic plate’s comfort and effectiveness.
Step 5: Regular Follow-ups — Our team monitors your progress and makes adjustments as needed throughout your treatment.

Learn more about our process and methods at Orthoworx.

Why Choose Dr. Eugene Chan at Orthoworx?

Dr. Eugene Chan brings decades of experience in providing orthodontic solutions for kids and adults. He is dedicated to delivering a patient-centred experience every step of the way and ensures that the treatment you receive is optimised for the best possible results.

Begin your Child’s Orthodontic Journey Today

Orthodontic plates are a comfortable and removable solution for bite correction. They’re appropriate for children’s orthodontic needs and teenagers who may consider a low-maintenance option.

Book an appointment with Orthoworx or visit our clinics in Chatswood and Zetland to discuss the right treatment options for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need to wear my orthodontic plate?

The length of time varies depending on the type of orthodontic plate and your treatment goals. A typical guideline for a removable orthodontic plate is to wear it full-time for 6-9 months except when eating or during cleanings. After several months have passed and you’ve been given approval by a professional, you may be able to cut back on wearing the retainer every night.

Are orthodontic plates painful?

Orthodontic plates are not painful, but you can expect to feel some discomfort during the first few days. You may also feel a mild pressure or tightness as your teeth start to shift, and that’s a sign that the plate is working. Compared to braces, plates are much gentler since there aren’t any brackets or wires. But if you feel discomfort for more than a few days, we can adjust the plate for better comfort.

Can I eat while wearing the plate?

No, orthodontic plates must always be removed before eating. Chewing on your food with the plate in can damage it, affect the fit, and lessen the treatment’s effectiveness. Food can also get stuck in the appliance and it increases the risk of gum issues and decay. Be sure to brush your teeth before reinserting the plate.

Do orthodontic plates work for adults?

Yes, they do. While orthodontic plates are common in children and teens, they’re especially useful for adults who experience relapse after braces too. Plates can help with small tooth movements, maintaining space, or supporting retainers as part of a broader orthodontic plan.

How do I clean the plate?

Each orthodontist has different care techniques for orthodontic plates, but the easiest way is to clean your plate every day.

Give your teeth an adequate clean and rinse prior to putting it back into your mouth. Avoid cleaning your orthodontic plate with toothpaste as it may be too abrasive. Instead, use a tiny bit of hand soap and a spare toothbrush to clean your retainer.

Soaking it in an anti-bacterial denture solution weekly will help kill off bacteria and maintain freshness. If you don’t have the following on hand, you can soak the orthodontic plate in a solution of lukewarm water, and mild vinegar to remove stubborn tartar.

Do not soak your orthodontic plate in scalding water as it can damage and warp the plastic mould.