Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment during childhood or adolescence
In addition to aesthetic benefits, orthodontic treatment also offers health benefits and can help prevent other oral health problems, such as tooth damage and headaches caused by bite issues.
Drawing a clear line between “cosmetic” and “medical” orthodontic treatment is challenging, as the vast majority of treatments offer benefits of both kinds. In the public sector, only the most severe bite problems are typically treated, and many people for whom the health benefits of orthodontic treatment would be significant are easily left without treatment or forced to wait years for it.
Orthodontics for children and adolescents
Orthodontic treatment can be successfully carried out at any age. However, treatment is often faster and more effective at a younger age. In addition, you can enjoy the benefits of a healthy, straight smile for a longer period of time, and the problems associated with malocclusion do not have time to develop.
On the other hand, orthodontic treatment for children and adolescents also presents specific challenges compared to orthodontic treatment for adults:
1. Taking growth into account
A child’s jaw growth is still ongoing, so orthodontic treatment must anticipate and account for growth both during and after treatment. For example, crowding of the teeth may be temporary, unlike in adults. Reducing crowding through orthodontic treatment and tooth reshaping can also affect jaw growth, and jaw growth can also be intentionally guided as part of orthodontic treatment. In this anticipation and guidance of growth, the expertise and experience of the treatment team are particularly valuable.
2. Variety of treatment options
Young patients may benefit from different orthodontic methods than adults, especially during the first phase of orthodontic treatment—that is, treatment carried out while baby teeth are still being replaced by permanent teeth.
For example, skeletal expansion of the upper jaw and upper dental arch is still possible. One example of a gentler orthodontic method that has less impact on daily life is the Finnish LM-Activator bite guide.
3. Cooperation with Parents
In orthodontic treatment for children and adolescents, the involvement and support of guardians play a key role. Guardians must ensure that the child follows the treatment plan and attends regular check-ups at the dentist. For example, in clear aligner treatment, the aligners must be worn for a certain number of hours each day to ensure that treatment progresses as intended.
4. Duration of treatment
Young people’s teeth, which are still developing, often respond more quickly to treatment, which is why the treatment period may be shorter. However, this requires ongoing monitoring so that any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan can be made in a timely manner.
5. The psychosocial component
Children’s and adolescents’ self-esteem and social well-being can influence the need for orthodontic treatment and the choice of treatment method. Unfortunately, braces are still associated with aesthetic and social stigmas and fears, even though modern braces are more comfortable and elegant than their predecessors. On the other hand, braces are making a comeback among some young people, and many want clearly visible, even unique and distinctive braces.
Nowadays , treatment can usually be done entirely without braces, using nearly invisible aligners. This may feel like a safer and more comfortable option for a child or teenager. Aligner treatment is not significantly more expensive than treatment with braces. You can read more about aligner treatment here.
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your quality of life and health for the rest of your life
Orthodontic treatment in skilled hands at a young age is an investment that pays for itself many times over in terms of health and quality of life, as well as, to some extent, in the costs of dental care needed in later life. The total cost of treatment depends on individual needs and is typically 4000 €–7000 €.
However, thanks to our flexible payment plans, you can get a full set of teeth with affordable monthly payments.
Competence and experience matter
In orthodontic treatment, it is important that the treatment plan is tailored to each individual and that the patient (and their guardians) receive the necessary support and guidance throughout the entire treatment process. At Ebeling Dentists, we focus on comprehensive care and collaboration with the patient, and together we find the most suitable treatment method and plan for each individual.
Take the first step
If you have a child or teenager who might benefit from orthodontic treatment, we recommend scheduling a consultation together with your child. Especially given the challenges associated with anticipating future growth, it is advisable to consult directly with orthodontic specialists. For example, our specialist dentists Iiro Koski and Anna Iivari have successfully treated numerous challenging cases, ranging from cosmetic corrections to complex bite issues. Angie Lehtikari has worked in orthodontics for 20 years and, as a dentist, has treated patients of all ages, including adolescents and young children. During your consultation, you will receive a detailed estimate of the total cost of treatment.
Orthodontic consultations with specialist dentists are subject to a fee (79 €).
Children's Orthodontic Days, May 4–5, 2026
Consultation with a specialist dentist for your child aged 6–17 with a €0 copayment.
Book your consultation
Experiences with orthodontic treatment at Ebeling
See before and after
Treatment results
Sointu
orthodontic treatment, laminates
We set out to correct the asymmetry caused by Soinnu’s missing lateral incisors using a combination of clear aligners and veneers. Invisalign treatment is a discreet way to straighten teeth, and Soinnu’s treatment took about 12 months. The veneers placed on the surface of the teeth are ultra-thin; for this reason, the teeth were ground down as little as possible.
Tomi
Tomi hoped the treatment would improve both the aesthetics and functionality of his teeth. The treatment consisted of orthodontic alignment, replacement of a previous ceramic bridge, restoration of six upper front teeth with ceramic crowns, and replacement of two teeth with dental implant crowns. The entire treatment took approximately 12 months.
Katariina
"An estimate made elsewhere would have required permanent braces for several years, tooth extractions, an uncertain outcome and at least twice the budget. With Invisalign, progress was daily, effortless, and others barely noticed that treatment was underway! The end result was achieved faster than initially planned."
