Why Pediatric Orthodontics?
A child’s mouth is constantly developing and, therefore, requires treatments tailored to their growth. Since the jawbones are still malleable, correcting dental alignment issues is often easier at this age, which can help avoid more complex treatments during adolescence or adulthood.
Through early intervention, orthodontics for children provides care adapted to the different stages of growth, helping to support healthy and long-lasting dental development.
Key Steps in Treatment
1. Consultation and Diagnosis
A consultation with one of our dentists is the first step before beginning treatment. During this visit, we evaluate the child’s mouth to make an accurate diagnosis. This diagnosis will then guide the dentist in selecting the appropriate treatment.
2. Treatment Plan
Once the diagnosis is established and the appropriate treatment is identified, the dentist develops a treatment plan. Each plan is fully customized to the child’s condition to meet their specific needs.
3. Start of Treatment and Follow-Up
Once everything is properly set up, the child begins treatment, as directed by the dentist. We provide regular follow-up throughout the process to ensure optimal results and make adjustments as needed.
The Benefits of Orthodontics for Children
There are several benefits to starting orthodontic treatment early:
Preventing Future Complications
Orthodontic treatment during childhood reduces the risk of needing longer and more complex treatments during adolescence or adulthood.
Less Complex Treatments
Early intervention takes advantage of the flexibility of the jawbones, making it easier to correct issues related to tooth and jaw alignment.
Correction of Malocclusions
Pediatric orthodontics improves tooth alignment and the harmony between the upper and lower jaws, promoting better chewing function and helping to reduce certain speech disorders.
For a Consultation and Beautiful Straight Teeth
Book an appointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Palatal expansion treatments can begin as early as age 6. At this stage, the two halves of the palate are not yet fully fused, allowing it to be gently widened to create space for future teeth.
Preventive treatments, on the other hand, typically begin around age 8. They are used to guide growth by correcting misalignment, directing jaw development, or intercepting issues before they worsen.
Pediatric orthodontics includes several types of treatment. Among the most common are:
Palatal Expansion
Palatal expansion involves widening the palate using a device specifically designed for this purpose. This device is securely attached to the teeth and has a small screw in the center. This screw must be turned at intervals predetermined by the dentist using a special key, which allows the palate to be widened gradually and gently, thereby creating more space for the teeth that will erupt.
Removable Appliances
As the name suggests, this type of orthodontic device is removable, allowing the child to take it out on their own. These appliances are generally worn for several hours a day and overnight. They are used to guide jaw growth, correct certain malocclusions, and create or maintain the space needed for permanent teeth to erupt, often as part of growth modification approaches.
Invisalign First
Clear aligner treatment offers a version tailored to children’s growth. It is a treatment that is both discreet and comfortable, allowing children to maintain good oral hygiene throughout the process.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces can correct a wide variety of issues, ranging from malocclusions to more complex alignment problems. They consist of small brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by a metal wire, which applies controlled pressure to gradually move the teeth into the position determined in the treatment plan.
In pediatric orthodontics, interceptive treatment involves early intervention during a child’s growth to correct or limit the progression of certain dental or skeletal problems.
Among other things, this type of treatment helps guide jaw development, create space for permanent teeth, or correct habits that can interfere with tooth alignment. The goal of interceptive treatment is to prevent more serious complications during adolescence or adulthood.
In children, certain signs may indicate that an orthodontic consultation is recommended:
- Overlapping teeth
- Jaws that do not align properly
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Breathing primarily through the mouth
- Thumb-sucking or other persistent habits
- Visible gap between the upper and lower teeth
- Premature or delayed loss of baby teeth
In any case, an orthodontic evaluation can determine whether treatment is necessary and when it should begin. If you notice any of these signs in your child, please don’t hesitate to contact our clinic to schedule an appointment.
Yes, clear aligners can be used for children. Invisalign First, in particular, offers a treatment specifically designed for growing children. This treatment is designed to support proper jaw development and correct various alignment issues, such as gaps between teeth or crossbites. Additionally, since the aligners are removable, young patients can more easily maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment.
If you’re interested in Invisalign First treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a consultation with our team.
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