As parents, we all want our children to step into the wider world with a healthy, confident smile. However, when the first permanent teeth start to come through – and perhaps grow in crooked, crowded together, or with gaps that are too wide – many parents find themselves asking: Will they need braces? Many people mistakenly believe that orthodontic treatment is exclusively for teenagers and is merely a matter of aesthetics. However, by starting orthodontic treatment for children at the right time, we can not only lay the foundations for a perfect smile, but also spare our children from serious health problems, bad habits and drastic, painful procedures in the future.
💡 Did you know? Successful treatment starts with early detection!
Before we move on to discussing exactly what the aims of paediatric orthodontics are, it is worth being aware of the warning signs that may indicate a need for treatment. If you’re unsure when it’s best to consult a specialist, read our previous article: How can we tell if our child needs orthodontic treatment? – Click on the link to find out about the signs that are easy to spot at home, so you can take action in good time!
The aim of orthodontic treatment can vary from person to person and from one age group to another. However, it can generally be said that the aim of orthodontic treatment carried out during childhood is usually not to restore aesthetics, as the jawbones of young patients are still growing, but rather to treat young patients whilst they are still in their developmental and growth phases. This is because there are certain orthodontic problems that can only be treated during childhood without the need for surgery, as the bones are still more easily mouldable whilst they are developing.
The primary aim and purpose of orthodontic treatment for children is therefore to influence the growth of the jawbone, to correct misaligned teeth and to establish healthy chewing function. Furthermore, certain appliances can help children break bad habits. A further positive benefit of paediatric orthodontic treatment is that it can help prevent tooth decay and the resulting tooth loss later in life, whilst also contributing significantly to the development of healthy self-confidence in children.
Orthodontic treatment for children can take place at any age, depending on the problem to be treated. Early orthodontic treatment can begin at a very young age, as early as 5–7 years old. At this age, actual orthodontic appliances are rarely used; the focus is generally still on breaking bad habits, such as stopping thumb-sucking and using a dummy, and treating tongue-thrusting.
The mixed dentition stage can also play an important role in children’s orthodontic treatment. At this age, both milk teeth and permanent teeth are present in the child’s mouth at the same time. At this stage, the primary aim is to guide the growth of the jawbones and the permanent teeth, as well as to ensure there is sufficient space for the erupting teeth. These treatments are usually carried out using a removable night-time orthodontic appliance.
The latest technologies now make it possible to treat even the youngest patients with special, invisible braces tailored specifically to their needs. This offers a host of advantages over traditional solutions, as these appliances are virtually imperceptible. As a result, children do not feel self-conscious and do not have to worry about being teased at nursery or school, which goes a long way towards protecting their still-developing self-confidence.
What’s more, they make everyday life considerably easier. The smooth, flexible archwires do not rub against or irritate a child’s sensitive mouth. The movement of the teeth itself is much gentler, making the treatment less painful, which ensures that the little ones do not lose their enthusiasm and remain cooperative throughout. And perhaps the biggest relief in everyday life is that the aligners can simply be taken out at mealtimes. This means that children do not have to give up their favourite foods or crunchy snacks, and teeth can still be brushed thoroughly in the usual way. Such devices, which are perfectly adapted to children’s lifestyles, are available from In Smilezor’s product portfolio too
The essence of paediatric orthodontics lies in prevention and in supporting the child’s natural growth. As the skeletal structure is still easily mouldable at this age, we can achieve excellent results much more quickly and with less discomfort. If we act in good time, not only do we spare our child from more serious interventions later on, but we also lay the foundations for a healthy and confident smile that will last a lifetime.
Take the first step towards a healthy smile for your child!
Don’t leave your questions unanswered! We look forward to welcoming you and your child to one of our Gere Dental clinics for a friendly, stress-free consultation on paediatric dentistry and orthodontics. What’s more, we have some good news: At our clinic, the first consultation is completely free for children under 12!
