Why should I see a Specialist Orthodontist?

A specialist orthodontist has years of additional training beyond dental school. We focus specifically on craniofacial growth, bite development, and complex tooth movement, allowing us to accurately diagnose and treat the root cause of issues, not just straighten teeth.

What is early orthodontic intervention?

Early intervention starts between ages 4 and 10, when a child's facial bones are still growing. By addressing issues like mouth breathing, narrow jaws, or poor tongue posture early, we can guide natural growth and often avoid the need for extractions or jaw surgery later. For children under the age of 4, we recommend consulting with an independent paediatric myofunctional therapist, as we do not provide treatment for this age group.

Do you offer clear aligners for children?

Yes, we specialize in clear aligners for children aged 4-10. Because a child's bone is highly malleable, aligners can actively guide jaw development alongside tooth movement, often with faster progress than in teens or adults.

Can you assess my child if they have autism, ADHD, anxiety or difficulty sitting still?

Yes, we are happy to support children with additional needs where possible. However, orthodontic treatment planning requires essential diagnostic records, including examination, photographs, scans and X-rays where clinically necessary. If a child cannot safely tolerate these records, we may not be able to provide a treatment plan at that stage. We assess each child individually and may recommend a gentle introductory visit, preparation or referral to a more suitable setting if required.

Do you support international orthodontists and dentists with travelling patients who need digital scans in London or the UK?

Yes, we regularly support international colleagues, Invisalign providers, and dentists when their patients are visiting London or the UK. We use advanced digital technology, including iTero and Shining 3D scanners, and can assist with Invisalign rescans, IDS uploads, and transfer cases. Please contact us with the patient's details, required scan type, and travel dates, and our team will coordinate efficiently.

Can adults expand their palate?

Yes. While natural growth has finished, adults can achieve palatal expansion using advanced techniques like MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion), SARPE, or DOME. These methods target the skeletal structure to widen the upper jaw.

What is the 'Smoke vs Fire' philosophy in child orthodontics?

The 'smoke' refers to early signs like mouth breathing, snoring, or narrow palates. If we ignore these signs, we may eventually have to treat the 'fire'-severe crowding, sleep-disordered breathing, and compromised craniofacial development. Early interceptive orthodontics helps address the smoke before the fire develops.

Who is the best orthodontist for enlarged tonsils and airway problems in children?

An airway-focused specialist orthodontist, like Dr Steffen Decker in Amersham, works closely with ENT specialists. We address the orthodontic consequences of enlarged tonsils, such as a narrow palate and mouth breathing, to support healthy craniofacial development and sleep.

International Colleague & Professional Referral Support

The Orthodontic Specialist regularly supports international orthodontists, dentists, and Invisalign providers when travelling patients require digital scans, rescans, IDS uploads, or temporary orthodontic support in London and the UK.

We use advanced digital technology, including iTero (Invisalign compatible) and Shining 3D scanners, and welcome collaboration with clinicians worldwide.

If a patient is visiting the UK and needs an Invisalign rescan, ClinCheck support, or transfer case assistance, we are happy to help. We ask colleagues to provide the patient's full name, contact details, type of scan/support required, aligner system being used, and the dates the patient is in London/UK.

Our team will organise the most suitable appointment and coordinate efficiently. However, for clinical complications, treatment planning advice, failed tracking, bite issues, refinements, attachment changes, treatment dissatisfaction, or emergency orthodontic concerns, one of our clinical team members will personally review the case to ensure the most appropriate support is provided.

Specialist Orthodontist Amersham (UK)

A healthy face starts with healthy development

Expert orthodontic care for children and adults. Helping growing faces thrive through healthier function, smiles and proper facial development.

Find out how your child is growing

Are the teeth, jaws and facial development growing as nature intended?

Our free online assessment helps identify patterns that may influence facial growth and dental development - including crowding, mouth breathing, grinding, snoring, restless sleep and jaw development concerns.

Answer a few simple questions so our specialist team can guide you on the next steps in your journey.

Excellent on Google

4.9

155 reviews

Function Defines Form.

Straight teeth alone are not our goal. We aim to understand and address the underlying functional factors that influence facial growth, jaw development, airway health, stability of treatment, and long-term oral health.

Why growing faces adapt

Snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep and tooth grinding are often more than "just a phase." These signs may reflect how a child is adapting during growth.

Our early interceptive orthodontics approach helps children develop healthier function and facial structure during key growth years - before problems become permanent. early interceptive orthodontics approach helps children develop healthier function and facial structure during key growth years - before problems become permanent. early interceptive orthodontics approach helps children develop healthier function and facial structure during key growth years — before problems become permanent.

"Compensation is the tax the body pays when prevention fails."

- Lieberman DE. The Evolution of the Human Head, 2011.

What's bringing you here today?

Our passion is guiding growing faces. Adult orthodontics is led by Dr Komal Suri - also at Asura Dental. Looking for adult treatment? Visit ASURA Longevity Dentistry →

My child has symptoms

Early signs like mouth breathing, snoring or grinding may impact how your child's face and breathing develop over time.

Avoiding extractions

Early intervention guides natural jaw development and creates space - often preventing extractions later.

Learn more about avoiding extractions

Palate expansion

A narrow palate can affect breathing, facial development and sleep. We offer evidence-based expansion for all ages.

I'm a professional

Learn to identify early signs and treat craniofacial concerns in your patients through the GrowIQ Dental Academy.

Case Mentoring

1-on-1 specialist guidance on complex cases - diagnosis, treatment planning and clinical execution.

Follow our journey

See the latest from @theorthodonticspecialist

The Orthodontic Specialist & Associates

@theorthodonticspecialist

50.8K

Followers

Parents often say “she’s got my chin” and leave it there. But in a growing ch...

10 ESSENTIAL READS ON CRANIOFACIAL GROWTH IN CHILDREN.

For dentists, orthodo...

📢 I NEED 20 GOSSIP LOVERS TO SPREAD THE WORD THAT…

YOUR CHILD’S SLEEP, BREA...

CAN YOU SPOT THE DIFFERENCES IN THESE CHILDREN’S FACES?

A child’s face can o...

WHY DOES AN ORTHODONTIST COLLABORATE WITH THE COMPOSITE BONDING QUEEN?

Becau...

102

A huge thank you to @untetheredairway for your time, for sharing your knowled...

WHY DOES EARLY DETECTION MATTER?

Some bite problems are related to jaw growt...

CAN WE APPLY KOIS PRINCIPLES TO EARLY INTERCEPTIVE ORTHODONTICS?

And if so, ...

STRAIGHT TEETH DON’T ALWAYS MEAN A CORRECT BITE.

How does your child’s bite ...

160

Apparently, ads need to look less AI. So here’s mine.

I’m an orthodontic spe...

385

V-SHAPED OR U-SHAPED PALATE? DOES IT MATTER?

More than most parents realise....

STRAIGHT TEETH DON’T ALWAYS MEAN THE ROOTS ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE.

Because o...

Why see The Orthodontic Specialist?

Led by Clinical Lead Dr Steffen Decker. We see the child first - and the teeth second.

The right tool

Aligners, braces, expanders, RME, MARPE - chosen for your child's specific needs.

The right timing

Sometimes early intervention is best. Sometimes waiting is best. We decide together.

The right diagnosis

We look beyond teeth to understand growth, facial development and function.

Beyond the teeth

Snoring, grinding and mouth breathing may be important clues we screen for.

Collaborative care

We work with ENTs, Myofunctional Therapists and Speech Therapists for comprehensive support.

Why Families Travel to Us

Families travel from London, Buckinghamshire, and across the UK for our specialist expertise.

Growth-Focused Philosophy

We proactively guide jaw growth, addressing narrow palates and crossbites early.

Airway & Sleep Assessments

We screen for mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep-disordered breathing alongside the smile.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

We work with ENT specialists, myofunctional therapists and sleep physicians.

Digital Remote Monitoring

AI-supported DentalMonitoring tracks progress weekly from home, reducing unnecessary travel.

A Day at The Orthodontic Specialist

Take a look inside our Amersham clinic and see what you can expect when you visit us for your specialist orthodontic assessment.

When Should Children Be Treated Early?

Not every child needs early treatment — but the right treatment at the right time can guide growth, improve function, and reduce future complexity.

Crossbites

Crowding / spacing

Open or deep bite

Class III / underbite

Tongue tie / posture

Eruption concerns

Breathing / sleep

Prominent front teeth

Our philosophy: We do not treat every child early - only the right child at the right time. A growth and breathing assessment from age 4 can help identify whether monitoring or early intervention is beneficial.

The Lifespan of Oral Healthcare

We believe in the right treatment at the right time. Our network provides a complete, evidence-based journey from early childhood prevention to adult longevity dentistry.

Prevention & Orthodontics

Guiding growth, improving function, and preserving health to reduce the need for future restorative treatment. Specialist care for children, teens, and adults.

The Orthodontic Specialist

Restorative & Longevity

Restoring health, function, aesthetics, and longevity through comprehensive interdisciplinary care, implants, and full mouth rehabilitation.

Asura Longevity Dentistry →

Professional Education

Teaching clinicians worldwide how to deliver predictable, evidence-based care across the entire lifespan of dentistry.

GrowIQ Dental Academy →

Let's talk about myofunctional therapy

Muscles help shape growing faces. Tongue posture, lip seal, swallowing patterns and breathing habits can influence facial growth, jaw development and dental alignment over time.

We combine therapist-led myofunctional care alongside the Tongue Teacher app - supporting families both in clinic and at home with three programme options.

Tongue Posture

Lip Seal

Nasal Breathing

Oral appliances for children including Myobrace and Froggy Mouth

Oral appliance therapy

Some children benefit from oral appliance therapy to help support tongue posture, muscle function and developing oral habits during growth.

We use carefully selected appliances - including Myobrace® and Froggy Mouth® - as an adjunct to treatment, alongside clear aligners, myofunctional therapy and growth guidance.

What Our Patients Say

Rated 5 stars on Google

Trusted by hundreds of families in Amersham and the surrounding area.

ian chan

26 days ago

My sons treatment has now finished and I can say the team have been exceptional and I am extremely happy with the results. After failed interceptive orthodontic treatment with the NHS, they left us with the prognosis of requiring jaw surgery in adulthood. Dr.Decker provided a simple unobtrusive treatment plan that has transformed my sons facial structure and smile. The team and clinic and higly professional, friendly, and help to educate you along the way. Highly recommend them.

My sons treatment has now finished and I can say the team have been exceptional and I am extremely happ…

Elise Wharton

1 month ago

I brought my children for a consultation and Ashleigh was absolutely amazing with my children…

Arushah

1 month ago

Really happy with the customer service here. The Ashleigh was very friendly, welcoming and professional from th…

Loredana Caminiti

2 months ago

I honestly cannot recommend my dentist highly enough. Komal is absolutely exceptional — incredibly professional, caring, knowledgeable and highly skilled at what she does. I always feel that I am in the safest and most capable hands when I see her. She takes the time to listen, explains everything clearly, and genuinely cares about her patients and their wellbeing. Her knowledge and expertise are outstanding! I have complete trust in her and feel extremely lucky to have found her. The staff are also extremely professional, warm and welcoming. Overall, it is such a pleasure to deal with everyone at the practice, and I couldn’t recommend them highly enough!

I honestly cannot recommend my dentist highly enough. Komal is absolutely exceptional — incredibly…

Shelley Colborne

2 months ago

Im a nervous dental patient and after visiting this specialist when they opened, I can honestly say I look for…

Lisa D'Cruze

3 months ago

My daughter can't stop smiling! We can't recommend Dr. Decker and Dr. Suri and all of the staff at the Orthodontic Specialist highly enough. After being let down by the NHS regarding my daughter's dental care, we were told that because she was in mixed dentition, she would have to wait for braces, would likely need invasive surgery, have teeth removed, and wear braces for years. Dr. Decker and Dr. Suri recognised the underlying issues immediately and began treatment without the need for invasive surgery or tooth extractions. In just under a year, our daughter's braces are off, and the results have been incredible. Seeing her smile with so much confidence has been priceless. Their knowledge and understanding of how dental health affects the whole body is phenomenal. They have completely changed my understanding of the link between oral health, breathing, sleep and overall wellbeing. They genuinely care about every patient, and we have never felt so confident, reassured and supported in the hands of two professionals. Every stage of the treatment was explained clearly, so we always knew what to expect.They are completely transparent about costs from the very beginning, with no hidden fees or unexpected charges along the way. My son is now under the care of the Orthodontisc Specialist (Dr Natalie Taubecegarra), and once again she is identifying and treating issues that have always been there but have never been recognised by any other professional, such as his mouth breathing at night. Their care has transformed not only my children's smiles but also their health, both now and for the future. Investing in their treatment has been one of the best decisions we've ever made and truly the greatest gift we could have given them. If you're considering treatment, don't hesitate to book a consultation. It has been worth every penny, and we genuinely believe it is one of the best investments you can make in your child's health, confidence and future.

My daughter can't stop smiling! We can't recommend Dr. Decker and Dr. Suri and all of the staff at the Orthod…

Gina Maxwell

4 months ago

My son is receiving treatment from Steffen, Komal and their team at The Orthodontic Specialist. He has been with them for just over a year and I cannot speak highly enough of everyone there. They have gone over and above to look after my son the entire time. Sebastien is 10 years old and has been through so much with his teeth the last few years. Since starting treatment with Steffen and the team he has been fully supported and guided through each stage. We feel incredibly lucky to have found The Orthodontic Specialist. Thank you all for your amazing work. We appreciate you more than you know.

My son is receiving treatment from Steffen, Komal and their team at The Orthodontic Specialist. He has been…

William Sams

4 months ago

Very professional and personal service. The Orthodontic Specialist saved us cost by recommending not to procee…

Families just like yours are taking the first step—and seeing real results.

Real patients. Real transformations.

BeforeAfter

Child mouth breathing correction and crowding resolved before and after Amersham

Supported By

The Lifelong Dental Health Journey

Explore our interconnected ecosystem of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and education.

The Orthodontic Specialist

Childhood

"Prevent problems before they become lifelong conditions."

Guiding facial growth and addressing airway issues early to prevent lifelong conditions.

Key Focus Areas:

Facial growthAirwayMouth breathingCrossbitesEarly Interceptive Orthodontics

Explore Childhood Care

GrowIQ Dental Academy

Our educational backbone. Teaching clinicians how to deliver predictable, evidence-based care across the entire lifespan of dentistry. From student to faculty and future research innovation.

Visit GrowIQ

Why Trust The Orthodontic Specialist?

Our clinical team is led by Specialist Orthodontist Dr Steffen Decker (GDC 131767) and Principal Dentist Dr Komal Suri (GDC 76035). We are committed to evidence-based practice, integrating the latest research in facial growth, airway health, and palatal expansion. Our clinicians hold advanced qualifications, teach internationally at institutions like the Kois Center and GrowIQ Dental Academy, and utilize state-of-the-art 3D diagnostics (CBCT) to ensure every treatment plan is precise, predictable, and tailored to your lifelong health.