Orthodontic treatment for children
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Orthodontic treatment can be an essential part of a child’s oral healthcare. Achieving a beautiful smile from orthodontic treatment in childhood supports a child’s lifetime of healthy teeth.
The British Orthodontic Society recommends that children should have their first check-up with an orthodontist at age nine or at the first recognition of an orthodontic issue which may be as young as 7 years of age.
An orthodontic assessment at this age allows the orthodontist to assess whether a problem exists or is developing. The orthodontist will advise on the right treatment, when to start and the estimated duration.
You should take your child to visit an orthodontist if you notice any of these early signs.
While there is a normal variation for tooth loss, losing baby teeth late or early can cause problems with the permanent ones that would replace them. A child orthodontist can recognise and treat adverse variations.
Eating shouldn’t cause pain. While teething causes discomfort, painful chewing may mean there is an orthodontic issue that needs treatment.
While there isn’t treatment to correct mouth breathing, orthodontic problems can develop from this breathing pattern.
Shifting of the lower jaw resulting from a bite problem can cause jaw pain and other dental issues. Orthodontists can evaluate how the child’s teeth come together and ensure they are properly aligned.
When the bite is normal, the outer cusps of the upper teeth keep the cheeks from the lower chewing surfaces. If a child constantly bites their cheeks, it may be due to a crossbite or other malocclusions that prevent normal chewing.
The underlying jaws and teeth affect the appearance of the chin, lips and other facial features. Orthodontists can evaluate the harmony between the teeth and jaw.
The general recommendation for children is to visit the orthodontist by age nine. Children have both permanent and baby teeth by this age, and the orthodontist can identify orthodontic problems even at the earliest stages.
The following questions are essential during the child’s first exam.
Braces consist of brackets fixed to the teeth and wires passed through the brackets to align the teeth during treatment.
Aligners are a series of custom-made, clear, thin plastic trays. They gradually and incrementally move the teeth to the desired position. The aligners are removable, so patient commitment to treatment is necessary.
Retainers are devices that help keep the teeth in place after orthodontic treatment. The options include removable or fixed retainers. They are all designed to maintain the results you achieve after wearing braces.
Archwires are part of braces, fitted into the slots in brackets to help move the teeth.
Upper braces move the top teeth, while the lower ones move the bottom teeth. Fixing the bite requires something to connect both arches. The traction applied by correctly positioned elastics helps the upper and lower teeth fit together correctly.
A mouthguard helps protect the teeth from trauma during sporting activities.
Orthognathic surgery is corrective jaw surgery to address skeletal problems affecting speaking, chewing and biting.
If you notice signs of an orthodontic issue in your child, ensure you visit Kingston Orthodontics for an orthodontic evaluation. Call 0203 002 2501 to book an appointment with a child orthodontist.
Most orthodontic problems are due to genetics, but some are acquired, developing from sucking the fingers or thumb, dental disease, mouth breathing, poor dental hygiene, dental disease, late or early loss of baby teeth, poor nutrition and accidents.
No, it won’t. Your child’s teeth won’t straighten as they grow. The space for permanent front teeth will not increase with age.
No, you don’t have to wait for a referral if you are willing to access private orthodontic care. If you have any concerns, visit an orthodontist.
Spread the cost of any treatment
We are here to help you achieve the perfect – and affordable – smile so please talk to us about our popular interest-free payment plans. Spread the cost and relax – secure in the knowledge that your treatment will take place on time and on budget.