March 20 2025 . 4 min
Remember those childhood dental visits that had you gripping the chair arms with white knuckles? For many of us, early dental experiences weren’t exactly filled with happy memories.
The good news? Today’s children in St John’s Wood and across Northwest London are having a completely different experience, especially when it comes to orthodontic treatment.
At Twoth Dental + Facial Aesthetics, we’ve transformed what was once dreaded into something children actually look forward to—and the difference is remarkable.
Let’s be honest—dental anxiety isn’t something children are born with. It typically develops from negative experiences, unfamiliar environments, or absorbing adults’ own dental fears. The sound of drills, clinical smells, and fear of the unknown can transform an ordinary check-up into something truly intimidating for little ones.
Traditional orthodontic treatments haven’t helped matters either. The thought of metal braces, tightening appointments, and potential discomfort has historically been enough to bring tears to many children’s eyes in Westminster and Camden.
But what if your child’s orthodontic journey could be different? What if it could actually be something they approach with curiosity and confidence rather than tears and tantrums?
At our St John’s Wood practice, we’ve completely reimagined what children’s dental experiences—particularly orthodontic treatment—can be like. Our philosophy centres around one core belief: positive early dental experiences set the foundation for lifelong oral health.
Our specialist orthodontist Dr Brian Dunne lleads our children’s orthodontic programme with a focus on early intervention and extraction-free treatments.His gentle approach puts even the most anxious children at ease, transforming what could be a stressful experience into one that builds confidence.
“When children understand what’s happening and feel they have some control in the process, their anxiety dissipates remarkably quickly,” Dr Dunne often explains to parents from Westminster who are concerned about their child’s dental fears.
Perhaps the most dramatic shift in children’s orthodontic experience comes from technological innovations that prioritise comfort without compromising results.
Take Invisalign First®, for example—a clear aligner system specifically designed for children aged 6-10. This revolutionary approach addresses jaw alignment, crowding, and bite issues without the need for traditional metal braces or extractions. Instead of wires and brackets, children wear comfortable, nearly invisible aligners that can be removed for eating and brushing.
Dr Brian Dunne brings exceptional expertise in Invisalign First® for young patients. His expertise in treating complex malocclusions makes him particularly adept at addressing early orthodontic issues in children.
The difference this technology makes in children’s experiences is profound—suddenly, orthodontic treatment becomes less intrusive, more comfortable, and considerably less scary. No more worries about food restrictions or painful adjustment appointments that leave children tearful and reluctant to return.
Technology alone doesn’t alleviate fears—the environment plays a crucial role, too. From the moment families from Camden and Westminster enter our St John’s Wood practice, they notice the difference.
Our waiting area has been thoughtfully designed with children in mind, offering engaging activities that turn waiting time into play time. Treatment rooms feature child-friendly decorations and displays that provide distraction and interest during appointments.
But perhaps more important than physical surroundings is the atmosphere we’ve cultivated. Every team member, from reception to clinical staff, understands the importance of positive interactions with young patients. Simple things—getting down to a child’s eye level, using age-appropriate explanations, celebrating small victories—make children feel respected and comfortable.
Even with amazing technology and a welcoming environment, some children still approach dental visits with trepidation. That’s where our behaviour management techniques come into play.
For particularly anxious children, we might:
Dr Simmi Daryani, who has completed over 600 Invisalign cases, has a particular talent for putting younger patients at ease. Her gentle approach and patience help transform even the most anxious children into confident dental patients.
“The key is treating each child as an individual,” Dr Daryani explains. “Some respond best to detailed explanations, others to distraction techniques. By tailoring our approach to each child’s personality and needs, we can usually turn dental fears around quite quickly.”
One of Twoth’s core philosophies in children’s orthodontics is early intervention. Dr Dunne’s approach focuses on addressing issues while children are still growing, often eliminating the need for extractions later.
By seeing children as young as age six for orthodontic assessments, we can:
The psychological benefit of this approach is significant too. Shorter, less invasive orthodontic journeys mean less anxiety and more smiles—both during treatment and after.
For parents across Northwest London, knowing their children can avoid more extensive orthodontic intervention later is reassuring not just for their child’s comfort but also financially, as simpler treatment generally means lower overall costs.
For children with developmental or behavioural challenges, dental visits can be particularly overwhelming. Our team has specific adaptations for children with special needs, ensuring these young patients also have positive experiences .
From offering familiarisation visits to adjusting appointment times to when a child is typically at their best, we go the extra mile to accommodate individual needs. Parents from Westminster and Camden often tell us they’ve struggled to find practices willing to take the time needed with their special needs children—something we pride ourselves on providing.
Successful children’s dentistry and orthodontics require a team approach that extends beyond our walls. Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing positive attitudes about dental care.
We work closely with parents from St John’s Wood and throughout Northwest London, providing guidance on:
This partnership approach ensures children receive consistent messages about the importance and non-threatening nature of dental care.
Children today are digital natives, and technology that might intimidate adults often fascinates them. We leverage this by making our advanced technology a point of interest rather than fear.
The iTero digital scanner, for example, eliminates the need for goopy impressions that many children find unpleasant. Instead, a wand captures 3D images of their teeth—a process many children find fascinating to watch on screen.
Similarly, seeing simulations of how their smile will transform with Invisalign First® treatment helps children understand the purpose behind their aligners and often increases their commitment to wearing them as directed.
While creating positive experiences is our primary motivation, there’s also a practical financial benefit to this approach. Children who develop positive associations with dental care are more likely to maintain regular preventive appointments throughout life—potentially saving thousands of pounds in restorative care over their lifetime.
For orthodontic treatment specifically, early intervention often reduces overall treatment complexity and duration, potentially resulting in significant cost savings compared to addressing more severe issues in adolescence or adulthood.
Curious about what actually happens during these tear-free appointments? Here’s what families from Westminster and Camden experience when they visit our St John’s Wood practice:
If your child has experienced dental anxiety in the past or you’re concerned about how they might react to orthodontic treatment, we invite you to experience the Twoth difference.
Many parents from across Northwest London tell us the same thing: “I wish we’d found you sooner.” The transformation in their children’s attitudes towards dental care often seems nothing short of miraculous—but it’s really just the result of our thoughtful, child-centred approach.
The first step is simple: schedule an introductory visit where your child can meet our team and familiarise themselves with our environment without any pressure for treatment. This single positive experience often sets the stage for a lifetime of anxiety-free dental care.
Remember, those early dental experiences shape attitudes that can last a lifetime. By choosing Twoth Dental + Facial Aesthetics for your child’s orthodontic journey, you’re not just investing in straighter teeth—you’re establishing a foundation of positive dental experiences that will serve them well into adulthood.
No more tears, no more fears—just happy little patients with beautiful smiles in the making.
March 20 2025 . 4 min
