Children's dentistry in Malta: calm first visits, healthy baby teeth and growing smiles
We see children from their first teeth to their teenage years: unhurried check-ups, small fillings, sealants and fluoride to protect new teeth, and an orthodontist on the team for when the bite needs guiding.
The first visit: getting to know the dentist
A good time for a first visit is around the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth. It is less about treatment and more about getting used to the room, the chair and the people, so that the dentist is a familiar place long before anything ever needs doing. We check that the teeth and jaws are developing as they should and answer what parents ask most: teething, feeding, thumb-sucking and how to brush such small teeth.
Around the first birthday
Short, gentle and unhurried
Teething and brushing questions answered
Nothing forced on a nervous child
What to expect, step by step
A chat first
We ask how your child is getting on: any pain, how brushing is going, sweets and drinks, and anything you have noticed.
A look at teeth and gums
We check how the teeth are coming through and look for early decay. For little ones it is often just a quick look while they sit comfortably.
Protection where it helps
If the back teeth have deep grooves we may suggest fissure sealing, and fluoride if the enamel needs extra help. We tell you first.
Advice for home
You leave with simple advice on brushing, toothpaste and snacks, and when to bring your child back.
Keeping children's teeth healthy
Most of children's dentistry is about stopping decay before it starts, and treating it while it is still small when it does. These are the treatments children have most often, with their prices.
Fissure sealing
A thin protective coating painted into the grooves of the back teeth, where food and plaque gather and a toothbrush struggles to reach. No injection and no drilling. €30 per tooth.
Fluoride application
A fluoride varnish brushed onto the teeth to strengthen the enamel and help it resist decay, especially useful while new teeth are coming through. €40.
Fillings in baby teeth
Small cavities in baby teeth are filled so they do not turn into pain or infection, and so the tooth can keep holding space for the adult one behind it. €40 a filling.
When a tooth has to come out
Sometimes a badly decayed tooth cannot be saved, or a baby tooth is in the way of the adult one. We explain why before anything is done. An extraction is from €60.
Braces and orthodontics for children and teenagers
Dr Aleksandra Syrico Mallia, our orthodontist, treats children, teenagers and adults. While a child is still growing, a removable appliance such as a Bionator can guide how the jaws develop; later, once the adult teeth are through, fixed braces or clear aligners straighten the teeth. At every check-up we keep an eye on how the bite is developing and tell you early if an orthodontic opinion is worth having, without rushing into anything.
An orthodontist on the team
Bionator for growing jaws: €600
Fixed braces and clear aligners
The bite checked at every check-up
Helping nervous children feel at ease
It is completely normal for children to be nervous, especially at their first few visits. We explain what we are doing in simple words, let children see and touch the instruments first if that helps, and never force a treatment on a child who is distressed. Parents help most by talking about the dentist calmly, never using a visit as a threat, and keeping their own worries to themselves.
Simple words, no surprises
See and touch the instruments first
Never forced when distressed
Short visits for little ones
Looking after your child's teeth between visits
Brushing
Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste suited to your child's age, and help younger children until they can do it properly on their own.
Snacks and drinks
Decay is fed by how often sugar reaches the teeth. Keep sweets and sugary drinks to mealtimes where you can, and offer water in between.
Regular check-ups
Routine visits catch decay while it is small and let children get used to the dentist at times when nothing hurts.
Toothache or a knock to the mouth
Toothache, swelling or a knocked tooth should be seen promptly. Call or WhatsApp us; on Sundays we hold an emergency clinic at Trident Park from 9am to 12:30pm.
Braces and the bite
Crowded teeth, a deep bite or teeth that do not meet properly are worth an orthodontic opinion while a child is still growing.
Cleaning
Older children and teenagers, especially those with braces, benefit from a professional clean as part of their check-ups.
Transparent pricing — no surprises
The everyday fees for children. A check-up costs the same as for adults; anything beyond it is explained and priced before it is done.
View full price listFrequently asked questions
From our blog
Read more for parents
Book your child's check-up
Book a check-up at Trident Park or St Anne's Clinic in Birkirkara. Tell us if your child is nervous, and we will plan a gentle first visit.