Children’s orthodontics focuses on guiding healthy jaw development and tooth alignment during the years when a child’s mouth is still growing. Understanding what is normal, what may require early attention, and how orthodontic care supports oral health can help parents make informed decisions. Here is more information on common concerns in children’s orthodontics:
Choosing the Right Time
Many guardians assume they must wait until a child loses all their primary teeth before visiting a specialist. The American Association of Orthodontics suggests scheduling an initial children’s orthodontics consultation around a child’s seventh birthday. This age is key because the first permanent molars and incisors have usually erupted by this time, allowing the doctor to evaluate the bite. A specialist can identify potential issues with jaw growth and tooth alignment at this stage. Treating concerns early allows the orthodontist to guide the jaw into a proper position, and it often simplifies future procedures.
Fixing Common Bite Issues
Several dental conditions indicate a need for pediatric orthodontics to improve oral function and aesthetics. Here are some of them:
- Crossbite: This is a common reason for early treatment and occurs when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth when the jaw is closed.
- Severe Crowding: This occurs when the dental arch is too narrow to accommodate all the teeth, leading to crowding and tooth twisting or overlapping.
- Protrusion: This condition, also known as “buck teeth,” involves the upper front teeth protruding significantly, increasing the risk of trauma.
- Open Bite: An open bite creates a distinct vertical gap between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are closed together.
- Space Maintenance: If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, a device may be needed to maintain space for the permanent tooth.
Identifying these issues early is helpful because addressing them now can prevent more complex surgery later.
Exploring Treatment Options
Pediatric orthodontics involves a variety of methods tailored to each patient’s developmental stage. Interceptive treatments are specific procedures administered to stop a developing problem from worsening. An orthodontist may align the four front teeth with brackets and wires to resolve a crossbite. Once the teeth are aligned, the child may wear a retainer to maintain the position until the rest of the permanent teeth erupt. This phased approach breaks treatment into manageable stages.
Other options include full braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, depending on the patient’s maturity. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable trays to gradually shift teeth into the correct position. This option is often preferred for older children who are responsible enough to wear the trays for the required hours each day. Parents should factor in the severity of the misalignment and the child’s lifestyle when discussing options with the doctor.
Managing Pain
Families often face specific practical and emotional concerns when committing to children’s orthodontics. These often include:
- Discomfort Levels: Modern orthodontic technology uses lighter forces to move teeth, so patients experience less pain than in previous decades, though some soreness is normal.
- Oral Hygiene: Keeping appliances clean requires diligence, but tools like floss threaders and water flossers make the process manageable for children.
- Social Confidence: Crooked teeth can sometimes impact a child’s self-esteem, and correcting the smile often leads to improved confidence in social situations.
Discussing these aspects with a provider helps clarify expectations, and it reduces apprehension for both the parent and the patient.
Schedule a Children’s Orthodontics Consultation
Children’s orthodontics provides a proactive approach to dental health; monitoring development from age seven allows for timely intervention. Early care addresses issues like crossbites, crowding, and jaw discrepancies before they become permanent or severe. Contact a qualified orthodontist near you to schedule your child’s orthodontic consultation today.