2026 Hong Kong Children's Orthodontic Guide: Golden Period, Prevention Methods, and Costs (Lazy Person's Summary)

Misaligned teeth (medically known as "malalignment") not only affect a child's appearance and self-confidence but also have long-term consequences for oral health. In recent years, more and more Hong Kong parents are considering braces to improve their children's dental alignment. When exactly can children get braces? Will there be any improvement after the permanent teeth come in? This article features answers to common questions from dentist Dr. Zheng Miaomiao.

• 1. Causes of protruding teeth and inverted teeth: congenital or acquired?

  Dr. Zheng Miaomiao pointed out that after a child's baby teeth erupt, there is a chance of them developing protruding teeth or receding teeth. The causes mainly fall into two categories:

  1. Congenital factors: Related to family genetic background, jawbone shape and size. If parents have jawbone structural abnormalities, their children are more likely to have dental problems.

  2. Acquired environmental factors include chewing habits, nutrient intake, breathing habits (such as mouth breathing), lip and tongue habits, and external injuries.

  II. 2026 Hong Kong Children's Orthodontic Fee Reference Table

  The cost of orthodontic treatment for children depends on the complexity of the treatment and the equipment chosen (such as functional braces or clear aligners).

  Correction Programs	Reference Fee (HKD)	Strategic Focus
  Early interventional treatment (functional appliances)	$15,000 – $30,000	For children aged 7-10 years old in the mixed dentition stage, guide jawbone development.
  Full mouth fixed braces (steel braces)	$25,000 – $45,000	The technology is mature and can handle severe congestion problems.
  Invisible braces for children (such as Beame)	$20,000 – $40,000	More comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, suitable for the golden stage of tooth replacement.

  III. The Golden Period for Braces: Will it automatically improve after teeth come in?

  Many parents are curious: "Will protruding teeth or backward teeth improve after the baby teeth come in?" Dr. Zheng Miaomiao frankly said that some children's problems may improve after the baby teeth come in, but protruding teeth or backward teeth may continue or even worsen.

  When is early correction needed?

  Generally, dentists recommend starting braces after all permanent teeth have erupted. However, in the following situations, earlier intervention may be necessary:

  • Severe crowding of teeth, protruding teeth, or malocclusion can affect eating.

  • Downward-pointing teeth: This may affect the normal growth of the jawbone.

  • If the jawbone is too small or too narrow: intervention at this time can avoid the need for more complex surgical treatment in the future.

  [Suggested image: Before and after photos showing how early orthodontic treatment can create space for permanent teeth to grow]

  IV. How to prevent children's teeth from becoming misaligned?

  While congenital factors are difficult to prevent, problems caused by bad habits can be avoided. Dr. Zheng Miaomiao suggests that parents start with the following five points:

  1. Establish good cleaning habits: Brush teeth in the morning and evening. Parents should brush their children's teeth again after they have brushed to prevent baby teeth from falling out too early and affecting the space for permanent teeth.

  2. Correct bad habits such as sucking fingers, prolonged use of pacifiers, or biting pencils.

  3. Pay attention to breathing patterns: Observe whether you are breathing through your mouth, which may be related to rhinitis or chronic nasal congestion. Long-term mouth breathing can affect facial bone development.

  4. Nutrition and chewing training: Ensuring a balanced diet and consuming appropriate amounts of foods with a certain degree of hardness can promote normal jawbone development.

  5. Regular dental checkups: Early detection and resolution of problems ensure the smooth eruption of permanent teeth.

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  Part Three: FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

  • Q1: What should I do if I feel so painful that I don’t want to eat during the correction?

    • A: You may experience slight soreness or tenderness after getting braces or after adjustments. Parents should prepare soft, nutritious foods (such as fish and tofu). If the pain is unbearable, consult your dentist immediately.

  • Q2: Can children rinse their mouths with salt water instead of brushing their teeth?

    • A: No. Saline solution can only be used as an aid. Food debris can easily get stuck in the brackets during braces treatment. You must brush your teeth every morning and evening, and use an interdental brush or dental floss to clean them.

  • Q3: Can I leave the care off after the correction is completed?

    • A: After orthodontic treatment, retainers must be worn to ensure that the teeth remain in the ideal position. Otherwise, there is a high chance that the teeth will shift back to their original position, leading to orthodontic failure.