Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children
Most children will need orthodontic treatment at some point in their lives, whether it is for a slight misalignment or more serious issues such as overcrowding. The consequences of not getting interceptive treatment for crooked teeth or bite abnormalities can be severe and long-lasting.
At Smiles in Currambine, we are dedicated to helping children achieve straight and healthy smiles at an early age so that they will have the best possible chance of avoiding future alignment issues. Children‘s orthodontics focuses on the evaluation and teeth straightening treatment for children.
The primary difference between children’s and adult orthodontic treatment is that children’s orthodontics involves more preventative measures. Children’s dentists identify early problems and bad oral habits that may result in future alignment issues and correct them before they cause serious issues.
Benefits of Children’s Orthodontics
Here are some of the benefits of children’s orthodontics:
- Early detection of dental problems in a child's mouth is possible, including the treatment of slurring and lisping.
- Your child is more likely to overcome speech difficulties if you correct malocclusion while they're still growing.
- Early orthodontic treatment also decreases the risk of tooth decay.
- It also improves your child's digestion by allowing them to chew food better.
- By reorienting their permanent teeth into a more favourable position, future treatments may not be necessary.
Why Choose Smiles in Currambine for Your Child’s Orthodontic Treatments in Currambine
Our friendly team of experienced dentists is committed to providing your child with the best possible dental care. We believe that every smile should be healthy and functional.
At Smiles in Currambine, we want to make sure that your child has a bright future ahead of them by treating their teeth now, so they don’t have problems later on down the road. This way, they can enjoy life without worrying about how their teeth look or function when eating certain foods or smiling at people. Let us help you give your child a fantastic smile today! You can rest assured knowing that we will take great care of your little ones.
Call (08) 9305 4888 today to get started on an orthodontic treatment plan for your child!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. When does a child need early orthodontic treatment?
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, early orthodontic treatment may be helpful:
- difficulty biting or chewing food because of overcrowded teeth
- the top and bottom front teeth overlap when they bite
- early or late baby tooth loss
- misalignment in the mouth that has caused speech impediments
- when your child’s teeth grow at a different angle
Q2. What is involved in children’s orthodontic treatments?
Orthodontic therapy can help prevent and correct a variety of bite issues, including crowded teeth, open bites, and crossbites. Early loss of baby or milk teeth, genetic factors, and even non-nutritive sucking habits like thumb-sucking or development issues are all possible causes. A children’s orthodontist will check your child’s teeth using X-rays and visual inspection and determine whether or not they need to be treated.
Early orthodontic treatment can take various forms, with each comprehensive treatment plan taking into account the child’s oral development and growth. The orthodontist may prescribe a fixed or removable device to adjust the jaw’s position, shift teeth, or hold teeth in place to achieve the desired results. However, dental appliances aren’t always necessary; in some instances, baby tooth extraction can make it easier for permanent teeth to grow in.
Q3. At what age should a child start orthodontic treatment?
A child’s age between 7 and 9 is a critical period when any potential issues can be caught early on, so they don’t become unmanageable as they grow. Likewise, you should take your child to a dentist for an assesment as soon as you notice any signs of an orthodontic issue such as early or late tooth loss or thumb or finger sucking.
Q4. What causes dental crowding?
Several factors may contribute to dental crowding, including:
- Genetics: There is often a genetic component. As permanent teeth erupt, people with smaller jaws are more likely to experience dental crowding. If the teeth are unusually large, they do not fit correctly and twist or overlap.
- Early baby tooth loss: When a baby tooth is lost too early, adjacent teeth may move into the space.
- Late baby tooth loss: Over-retained baby teeth cause dental crowding because permanent teeth can’t erupt properly.
Q5. What is the cost of children’s orthodontic treatment?
Depending on a child’s tooth condition, orthodontic treatment can vary. Orthodontic treatment costs for children depend on several factors, including the severity of the dental issue and the type of orthodontic treatment required. Visit Smiles in Currambine for an initial consultation to determine the appropriate dental treatment for your child’s smile and to get an estimate of the cost.
Book An Appointment
Schedule Your Appointment With Us Today
Our dentists in Currambine make every effort to accommodate the scheduling needs of your family. From offering evening hours to weekend appointment times, we are sure to have something that works for your busy routine.
If you are in pain or have any other dental emergency, please call us right away so we can try to book you in as soon as possible.
