PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTICS
As the name suggests, paediatric orthodontics is dedicated to the teeth straightening treatment and evaluation for young kids. While your child’s teeth may look straight, there may be underlying problems with the way adult teeth erupt, a misaligned bite, a malrelationship of the upper and lower jaw, tooth crowding, or problems due to thumb sucking and other habits. A paediatric orthodontist identifies the bad habits and early problems that can cause future alignment issues – and nips them in the bud.
By age 8, enough permanent teeth have emerged for your orthodontist to evaluate relationships developing between teeth, jaw and bite and make sure all will continue to develop as they should. Whether or not our orthodontist determines that your child needs braces, you will get the peace of mind that early detection and potential treatment will result in a lifelong smile for your child.
WHY IS AN EARLY ORTHODONTIC CONSULTATION IMPORTANT?
Early treatment helps your orthodontist to:
- Guide jaw growth
- Reduce the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Improve appearance
- Guide permanent teeth into a more favourable position
- Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face
- Correct crossbites
WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR FIRST VISIT?
When you and your child first visit us for a consultation, digital pictures and x-rays will be taken of their teeth and jaws followed by a detailed examination by our orthodontist. The orthodontist will use the digital x-rays along with his or her visual exam findings to develop a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.
Early orthodontic evaluation gives your child the best opportunity for a healthy smile.
WHAT IS THE IDEAL AGE FOR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?
Although orthodontic treatments may be prescribed for patients of any age, they were believed to be the most effective for young children around the age of 12 or 13 years. New research, however, indicate positive results for children starting preventive evaluation and treatment from as early as 8 or 9 years of age.
TYPES OF CHILDREN’S ORTHODONTIC THERAPY:
Preventive orthodontics:this involves detailed examination intended to avoid the development of more important problems and to facilitate or shorten a later treatment phase during adolescence. Patient and parent education are of utmost importance in this stage.
Interceptive orthodontics: this is early treatment aimed to prevent or intercept more serious problems. Delivered between the ages of 8 and 9, treatment typically lasts between 8 and 12 months. It often makes later treatment much less complicated.
Corrective orthodontics: this is usually carried out when the jaws and face have finished growing, typically commencing from the age of 12. Most commonly children wear fixed braces for a period of 12-36 months, depending on the complexity of their bite. Retainers are fitted to ensure a long-lasting smile.
TREATMENTS OFFERED
Metal Braces
Metal braces are made of high-quality, durable stainless steel. They are the most common type of braces. The brackets, which are bonded to the front of each tooth, are connected by the archwire, which helps guide the teeth into the correct positions. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive.
Clear Braces
Clear braces move teeth just as efficiently as metal braces, except the brackets are clear, so they are less noticeable. They are most popular with adult patients due to their cosmetic appeal. The only drawbacks to clear brackets are that they are more fragile, and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits.
Self Ligating Braces
Self Ligating brackets are a revolutionary new system that is not only faster for your orthodontist to use, it also can significantly shorten your treatment time. It’s great-looking and smaller for greater comfort. Plus, self ligating brackets offers better hygiene than conventional braces!
