Where to correct bite in childhood in Barcelona?
We fit orthodontic plates for children's teeth alignment in Barcelona. We correct bites, widen dental arches, and create space for permanent teeth. We treat children aged 5 to 12. Over 6 years of work, we have accumulated 240 success stories — each result backed by a guarantee in the contract. We will select the appliance individually: removable or fixed. Leave your request — we will calculate the cost within 24 hours.
The appliance comes in two types: one the child removes for meals, and one fixed rigidly to the teeth. The base is hypoallergenic medical plastic; the archwire is surgical steel. A micro-screw is built into the centre of the base. When parents turn it with a special key, the appliance expands by a fraction of a millimetre — just enough to move teeth without pain. The archwire, made of a shape-memory alloy, constantly tries to return to its original position, gently moving the teeth. This pressure is sufficient for correction, yet the child barely feels it. Full adaptation occurs by the fourth day. In the first few days, slight lisping and a feeling of a foreign object in the mouth may occur — this passes. We fit removable plates for children aged 5–10 with mild issues, and fixed plates for ages 10–13 with complex anomalies. The average treatment duration is 14 months. For mild crowding, six months suffice; for complex palate expansion, up to two years. A retainer fitted after the main phase holds the teeth in their new position for another six months. Without it, teeth can shift back within 2–3 months.
The optimal age to start treatment is 5–12, while the jaw is actively growing. At 5–7, the plate widens the palate and guides jaw growth — results visible in 6–12 months. At 8–10, the appliance preserves space for permanent teeth if milk teeth were lost prematurely. At 11–12, fixed appliances work as an alternative to braces if the anomaly is mild. If you delay the visit until age 13, the jaw stops growing and the plate becomes ineffective. The child will need braces for 2–3 years, and in complex cases, permanent teeth may need to be extracted due to lack of space. Parents in Barcelona and Catalonia bring their children to us now to avoid dealing with serious orthodontic problems in a few years.
Three scenarios where the plate delivers results
From 240 cases, we have identified three typical situations. First: a child aged 5–7 with a narrow jaw and crowded front teeth. The plate widens the palate, and teeth align in 8–10 months. This is the ideal scenario, with a 94% success rate. Second: a child aged 8–10 with one or two teeth out of alignment while the rest are straight. We fit an appliance with a spring-loaded arm that acts only on the problematic teeth. Treatment takes 6–12 months and does not affect healthy teeth. Third: a child aged 11–12 with a crossbite. Here the plate is ineffective — we refer straight to braces. We do not take on treatment if we predict low effectiveness. This saves your money and time.
Three signs that the plate is not suitable
We decline treatment in three cases to avoid charging for ineffective work. First: the child has untreated cavities in three or more teeth. Under the appliance, cavities develop four times faster, so we perform dental treatment first, then fit the plate. Second: the child flatly refuses to wear the appliance for more than 16 hours a day. If during the first week of adaptation the child removes the appliance during the day and refuses to put it back on, we pause treatment until motivation appears. Third: the bite anomaly requires extraction of permanent teeth or complex surgery. In such cases, the plate is useless — we recommend braces immediately.
Three parental mistakes that ruin treatment
First mistake: the child removes the plate at night "because it's uncomfortable to sleep." Consequence: the jaw does not widen, and treatment extends 2–3 times longer. Solution: for the first two weeks, wear the appliance 24 hours a day, removing it only for cleaning. Adaptation occurs within 14 days. Second mistake: parents forget to turn the screw or do so irregularly. Consequence: the appliance does not expand, there is no pressure, and teeth do not move. Solution: set a phone reminder every 3–7 days. One missed turn equals one week of lost treatment. Third mistake: storing the plate without a case, leading to breakage in a backpack or pocket. Consequence: repair or replacement takes 7–10 days, interrupting treatment and losing momentum. Solution: always carry the case; keep a second case at school.
Simple selection guide: plate, braces or trainer
Under 5 years old — we fit a trainer for prevention; a plate is not yet needed. 5–7 years with a narrow jaw — expansion plate, ideal timing. 8–10 years with one or two crooked teeth — plate with a point-action arm. 10–12 years with crowding of all teeth — fixed plate or braces, decide based on X-rays. 12 years and older — only braces or aligners; the plate does not work. Come for a consultation — the orthodontist will show you on the X-ray which option suits your child.
How we fit and monitor treatment
The entire process takes 2–3 weeks. Diagnosis includes a panoramic X-ray (OPG); for complex cases, a cephalometric X-ray or CT scan. We then treat all cavities and perform a professional cleaning — the plate is only fitted on healthy teeth. We take impressions and fabricate the appliance at the Barcelona laboratory within 7–10 days. The child chooses the plastic colour and design: translucent, coloured, with glitter or cartoon characters — this boosts motivation. During fitting, we fix the appliance, check the fit, and teach parents how to turn the screw. Follow-up appointments occur every 4–5 weeks. The orthodontist evaluates progress and adjusts the activation schedule. The guarantee is set out in the contract: if, despite following the regimen, the result is not achieved within the agreed timeframe, we extend treatment free of charge.
How to persuade a child to wear the plate without tears
70% of treatment success lies in motivation. At the first visit, we let the child play with toy plates and show photos of other children — this alleviates fear. The child chooses the design themselves: translucent, coloured, with glitter or their favourite character. In the first 1–2 weeks, discomfort is possible — we warn parents that this is normal and provide ready-made phrases for support: "In a week, you won't even notice it." Many families introduce a reward system for each month of wear without skipping. If the child removes the plate during the day, we ask parents to send a photo of the child's smile every 2–3 days — this keeps both sides disciplined.
