The dentition of children, as soon as their baby teeth begin to fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth, quickly becomes a concern for parents. Crooked teeth, overlapping, teeth that are too close together or spaced apart—there is always some little issue that can affect your child’s smile. But most parents have many questions regarding orthodontic treatment in children, and one of them is when is the best time to start treatment.
Most parents believe the right time is after all the baby teeth have been replaced, but that’s not always the case! The ideal time to start orthodontic treatment in children is as soon as a problem is noticed. Regular dentist visits that begin when the first teeth appear allow the professional to monitor all dental development, identifying the onset of issues that can already be prevented and managed early on, before they become more severe.
Orthodontic treatment aims to align and straighten the teeth and the entire dental arch, not only to enhance aesthetics but also to improve the patient’s quality of life. Dental problems can lead to much bigger issues, as well as constant discomforts such as headaches due to poor chewing, sleepless nights, and tooth wear. Contrary to popular belief, crooked teeth are not a hereditary problem, and even before teeth start to change, it is possible to observe their development.
Even before a child turns 6 years old—which is when dental development is in full swing—it is possible to examine their dental structure. The teeth and their growth are guided by the tongue, the lips, the cheeks, and also by breathing, did you know? And when this system doesn’t work well, the dental arch develops problems, including issues in the bone development of the face and jaw.
My Child’s Teeth Are Crooked – What Should I Do?
If your child already attends routine dental checkups, the dentist can assess the situation and, if it is not their specialty, can refer you to a trusted colleague. The first step is to seek out a pediatric orthodontics specialist who will analyze the case and recommend the best treatment.
We are seeing increasingly younger children wearing dental appliances, and anyone who has worn them knows how uncomfortable they can be. With this in mind, an Australian company developed a silicone dental corrector that can be used by children from 3 years old. The dental corrector aims to prevent the problem from getting worse over the years and forcing the child to wear a removable or fixed appliance. The silicone dental corrector is simpler, does not require molds, is flexible and comfortable, and should be worn for only one hour a day and during sleep.
For older children who did not receive early treatment and are already suffering with the problem, it will be necessary—after consultation with the specialist—to complete all documentation to identify every issue. With the help of this documentation, which includes x-rays, intraoral photos, bite tests, and dental impressions, the orthodontist will provide follow-up and determine each step of the treatment.
If you have already decided what type of dental appliance your child will use, forget it! Every treatment is different, and each case requires a specific type of care. Sometimes treatment starts with a fixed appliance; other times, with a removable device, and vice versa. In other cases, immediate extraction or just retainers may be necessary; thus, only the specialist can evaluate and recommend the ideal treatment. Before settling on any professional, check recommendations from other patients and, if possible, get a second opinion. Orthodontic treatments are lengthy, require a lot of patience, and above all, cooperation from the child in order to achieve a successful outcome in the end.
See also: Chipped Tooth in Children – What to Do?
Photos: Amanda Slater
