Orthodontic Treatments for Children
When To Have An Evaluation
As a parent, you want the best for your child, including a healthy and beautiful smile. If your child has crooked teeth or other dental problems, orthodontic treatment may be necessary. Crooked teeth can lead to oral health issues. Orthodontic treatment for children has come a long way, and there are now several options to choose from.
Orthodontics for children is a dental specialty that focuses on correcting the position of teeth and jaws of younger children who need early corrective measures. It is less common for young children, but in some cases can be necessary. It typically involves the use of braces or clear aligners to move teeth into the correct position. The most common age to begin treatment is between 11-13 years old, as this is when the teeth are still developing and easier to move. It is best to wait till all the baby teeth are gone and have been replaced by permanent adult teeth.
Request A Free Consultation
Call today to set up your free one-on-one consultation with Dr. Randall. We want to help you smile with confidence!
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatments for Children
There are many benefits to getting braces for your younger child, including:
Straight Teeth: Braces help move teeth into the right position, making their smile super straight and beautiful. Goodbye crooked teeth and gaps.
Healthy Mouth: Crooked teeth can be tricky to clean, which can lead to cavities and gum problems. But with braces, your child’s teeth will be easier to clean, promoting good oral health.
Confidence Boost: Lots of kids worry about their smiles, but braces can change that. By straightening their teeth, braces can give your child more confidence and make them feel amazing!
Better Bite: Braces aren’t just for looks—they can also fix bite problems like overbite, underbite, and crossbite. These issues can cause discomfort, trouble chewing, and other dental troubles. But braces can help fix them, making eating and talking easier.
So, getting braces for your young child can bring them a beautiful smile, a healthy mouth, a confidence boost, and a better bite! How awesome is that?
Common Questions Regarding Orthodontics for Children
Besides braces, other orthodontic treatments for children may include clear aligners, retainers, and functional appliances.
The suitability of orthodontic treatment depends on your child’s specific dental condition. An orthodontist will evaluate their needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment option during a consultation.
Yes, orthodontic treatment can help correct an incorrect jaw position by guiding the growth and alignment of the jaws, often in combination with braces or other appliances.
Jaw growth plays a crucial role in orthodontic treatment for children. The orthodontist considers the child’s jaw growth patterns and utilizes appliances or techniques that work in harmony with their natural growth to achieve optimal results.
At what age is jaw growth typically completed in children? Answer: Jaw growth is usually completed by the late teenage years, around 18 to 20 years old. However, individual growth patterns may vary.
Yes, jaw growth may continue during orthodontic treatment. The orthodontist takes this growth into account when planning the treatment to guide the jaws into their proper positions.
Yes, orthodontic treatment can influence and guide jaw growth in children. By utilizing appliances and techniques, orthodontists can help direct the growth and development of the jaws to achieve optimal facial harmony and bite alignment.
Should We Wait Till the Adult Teeth Have Grown In?
The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children should have their first evaluation with a certified orthodontic specialist in Idaho Falls around the age of 7. We understand that this doesn’t always happen, but it’s never too late, even as your child grows into their teenage years. You can still benefit from starting braces while your child is in their growing and developing stage.
During this crucial period, their permanent teeth will start to come in. An orthodontist can detect potential issues like abnormal jaw development, malocclusion, cross-bite, narrow jaw, overcrowding, and spacing. If any of these problems are identified by your Idaho Falls orthodontist, they may recommend various treatment options, such as partial braces, full braces, or even a type of retainer.
It’s extremely important for your child’s teeth and orthodontic health that any dental issues are identified early on while their bones are still growing. In the past, orthodontists used to remove permanent teeth if there was overcrowding or other structural problems in the jaw. However, with the rise of early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics, this approach has changed. Now, orthodontists can make use of the growing bones during the teenage years to properly align the teeth without the need to extract any permanent teeth.
By starting orthodontic treatment during the teenage years, orthodontists can leverage the growth of bones to position the teeth correctly at a younger age, without the requirement of removing any permanent teeth. This approach is optimized for children’s orthodontic care, ensuring healthy and well-aligned teeth as they continue to grow.
Will Getting Braces Solve My Child's Dental Issues?
It’s important to understand that even if your child undergoes early orthodontic treatment, they may still need braces or other orthodontic treatment later in life. However, if they receive early orthodontic treatment in Idaho Falls during their younger years, it’s likely that they won’t have to wear braces for as long as someone who didn’t have previous treatment. The most common dental issues that can be addressed with interceptive orthodontics include cross bites and protruding front teeth.
Types of Orthodontic Treatments Available
There are various orthodontic solutions available to address dental issues at an early age. From braces to retainers and everything in between, the recommended treatment plan will depend on your child’s specific needs. In certain cases, a baby tooth may need to be removed to facilitate the eruption of permanent teeth into their desired positions. To determine the best treatment option for your child, reach out to Randall Orthodontics and schedule a consultation. Their goal is to utilize this developmental stage in the most advantageous way, aiming to reduce treatment time rather than prolong it. Rest assured that all treatment plans will be carried out under the most favorable conditions.
If your child requires braces, they can choose from the following options, as long as they have been approved by the early children’s orthodontist in Idaho Falls:
Traditional (Metal Braces): This is the braces type that is commonly associated with braces. Traditional braces use wires and brackets to apply pressure and move the teeth. They are typically the most affordable option and can address both simple and complex dental issues.
Self-Ligating Braces (The Damon System): These braces work similarly to traditional braces, using wires and brackets, but they utilize clips instead of rubber bands to hold the wire in place. Self-ligating braces are designed to work faster and are often considered less painful compared to other types of braces.
Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces are another popular choice, especially among teenagers and children, as they blend in with the teeth due to their tooth-colored appearance. They function the same way as metal braces but are less noticeable. However, they may be slightly more expensive than traditional metal braces.
Clear Aligners: Clear aligners, often referred to as “clear braces,” straighten teeth using customized clear trays based on the patient’s teeth and x-rays. These trays gradually move the teeth into position without the need for brackets and wires. Clear aligners can be removed while eating and brushing teeth.
If your child is seven years old or older and has not yet received an early orthodontic evaluation in Idaho Falls, contact Randall Orthodontics to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.
Request A Free Consultation
Call today to set up your free one-on-one consultation with Dr. Randall. We want to help you smile with confidence!
