What are the common orthodontic issues in children?
Orthodontic issues in children can arise due to a combination of genetic, developmental, and environmental factors.
- Genetics: Crowding occurs if the jaw is too small for the teeth. If too large, spacing issues may appear.
- Early loss of baby teeth: Premature loss of primary teeth can cause neighboring teeth to drift into the empty space.
- Childhood habits: Prolonged thumb or finger sucking, pacifier use, or tongue thrusting can alter jaw growth and tooth positioning.
- Dental trauma: Injuries to baby teeth or the jaw can affect the eruption path of permanent teeth.
These factors can lead to crowding, gaps, and misaligned teeth. Jaw development issues can lead to underbites, crossbites, and protruding teeth. Our Bolton office can address these issues and help your child achieve a healthy, confident smile.
What does early childhood orthodontics involve?
Our office provides several orthodontic solutions for growing smiles. Our orthodontic care is effective and personalized to fit easily into the lives of young patients.
- Early orthodontic assessment: We recommend an orthodontic evaluation for your child by the age of 6. Early orthodontic screenings enable early interventions to prevent the need for extensive treatments later.
- Interceptive orthodontics: Interceptive orthodontics for children between ages 6 and 10 identifies and addresses potential orthodontic issues before they worsen. The goal is to guide jaw growth and correct harmful habits to create enough space for permanent teeth to come in properly. Interceptive orthodontics may involve space maintainers to hold open the space left by prematurely lost baby teeth. It can also include myofunctional therapy to address harmful habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.
- Traditional braces: Actual orthodontic treatment for children typically begins around age 11. Most of the adult teeth have come in at this age, and the jaw is more developed to withstand pressure. Traditional braces are a proven and effective method for addressing various orthodontic issues. Even better, modern braces are now more comfortable and customizable than ever. They feature smaller brackets and fun, colorful bands, allowing kids to showcase their style.
Orthodontic treatment in adults can take longer and may require tooth extractions or oral surgery. Starting orthodontic care early in childhood can help minimize the need for more invasive procedures.
