A Comprehensive Guide to Children’s Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry
Who is a Kids orthodontist?
Parents with children between the ages of 7 and 10 often begin exploring orthodontic treatment options for their little ones. This period typically coincides with the gradual shedding of baby teeth. To ensure you select the most suitable children’s orthodontist in your area, it’s essential to invest time in researching and evaluating your options to find the perfect fit for your family’s needs.
A primary focus of orthodontic care for children is space management, which facilitates the proper eruption of the permanent teeth into the mouth. Addressing discrepancies between the size of teeth and jaws is a common issue necessitating early orthodontic intervention.
Moreover, early treatment can effectively tackle jaw growth problems, utilizing an array of orthodontic solutions tailored to each child’s unique needs.
A common question from the parents is “why do orthodontict recommend early check ups for braces in children? “
While only a select group of children require early orthodontic intervention, metal braces are often recommended, sometimes in combination with an expander or facemask.
Three primary orthodontic problems typically result in the recommendation of orthodontic care for children:
1) Crowded teeth and crossbite mostly affecting the front teeth
2) Skeletal issues, such as an undersized upper jaw
3) Persistent habit-related concerns, like thumb-sucking beyond the age of 5
Most orthodontists offer free consultation to all patients. You should visit your local orthodontist and learn more if your child need early orthodontic care.
Orthodontics for Children: When to Begin and What to Expect
When should a child first visit an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends scheduling a child’s initial orthodontic appointment at the age of 7. However, some children may be seen between the ages of 5 and 10, depending on the parent’s observations of crooked teeth or a pediatric dentist’s recommendation for an orthodontic evaluation. The orthodontist can help you with all you need regarding dental and jaw developments.
What can be expected during the first orthodontic visit?
During the complimentary initial orthodontic consultation, a digital scan of the child’s teeth is taken, along with an X-ray to assess erupting teeth and examine dental and skeletal growth. The orthodontist will also discuss the child’s overall oral health and the potential benefits of orthodontic treatment.
Integrating Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics for Optimal Dental Health
Pediatric dentistry encompasses a range of dental services, including orthodontics, to holistically assess and maintain a child’s dental health. By implementing an interdisciplinary treatment plan, health care professionals can work together to ensure a healthy and beautiful smile for every child. Studies have shown that straight teeth can significantly enhance a child’s self-esteem.
What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment, such as braces?
The advantages of orthodontic intervention vary according to individual needs. For example, braces can help create space for permanent teeth to properly emerge and address skeletal issues that, if left untreated, might necessitate corrective jaw surgery in adulthood.
Depending on the type of orthodontic needs; braces can have advantages. Some of the benefits would be creating room allowing permanent teeth to erupt. Address skeletal problems that could only be addressed with corrective jaw surgery in adults.
How do pediatric dentists differ from kids’ orthodontists?
Pediatric dentists are dental providers who, after completing dental school (earning a DDS or DMD degree), undergo additional specialty training to focus exclusively on children’s dental care. This includes services such as fillings, sealants, and preventative care for a child’s teeth. Board certified pediatric dentists can be found here. Sammamish pediatric dentistry services can be found at the Nurture Kids Dentistry clinic.
During routine check-ups and cleanings (typically every six months), pediatric dentists may recommend orthodontic treatment, even though they generally do not offer such services.
Orthodontists, on the other hand, are dentists who specialize in correcting misaligned teeth and addressing jaw growth issues in children. These dental professionals possess expertise in moving teeth and resolving complex orthodontic problems for kids.
Orthodontic Care in Children’s Dentistry
Do orthodontists provide braces for children?
Orthodontic treatment for young new patients often begins around the age of 7. Early intervention can involve various types of braces, as well as teeth aligners such as Invisalign.
What are the benefits of consulting with an orthodontist?
Preventative measures are always more straightforward than addressing problems after they arise. Visiting an orthodontist from a young age helps children become accustomed to the experience, while parents can plan for potential orthodontic needs and the associated costs.ts.
What is Invisalign or clear aligner treatment for children?
Like braces, clear aligners can reposition teeth. The primary challenge for children undergoing aligner treatment is wearing the aligners for 22 hours daily. Nevertheless, many children excel at adhering to this requirement. Aligners, like Invisalign, are an excellent option for addressing overbites and crossbites in children.
Do children with special needs require orthodontic services?
The orthodontic needs of a child with special needs may vary, and in some cases, treatment may be delayed by a few years. For example correcting and underbite becasue of strong lower jaw in a growing patient. Often, these children can only tolerate pediatric dental care under sedation. Ensuring accessibility to teeth and obtaining the child’s cooperation are crucial for successful orthodontic treatment outcomes.
What are the benefits of consulting with an orthodontist?
Preventative measures are always more straightforward than addressing problems after they arise. Visiting an orthodontist from a young age helps children become accustomed to the experience, while parents can plan for potential orthodontic needs and the associated costs.
What is Invisalign or clear aligner treatment for children?
Like braces, clear aligners can reposition teeth. The primary challenge for children undergoing aligner treatment is wearing the aligners for 22 hours daily. Nevertheless, many children excel at adhering to this requirement. Aligners, like Invisalign, are an excellent option for addressing overbites and crossbites in children.
Do children with special needs require braces?
The orthodontic needs of a child with special needs may vary, and in some cases, treatment may be delayed by a few years. Often, these children can only tolerate pediatric dental care under sedation – this can be done at a children’s hospital. Ensuring accessibility to teeth and obtaining the child’s cooperation are crucial for successful orthodontic treatment outcomes.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on children orthodontics:
When should my child have an orthodontic evaluation?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7.
Do kids need retainer after early orthodontic treatment?
Yes. Generally kids wear retainer for a relatively short period of time. It is time to stop wearing retainers when adult permanent teeth start growing into the month. All these changes make the retainer not to fit.
Can kids flossing their teeth with an expander?
Your child can’t floss their back teeth with expander. We use special glue that contains fluoride to protect the teeth. This means that brushing the back teeth with expander is extremely importnat.
Do I need a referral to an orthodontist for the first visit of my child?
No. You can schedule a free consultation for your first visit. We have two clinics in Sammamish and Bellevue that offers free 1st visit to an orthodontist consultation.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment duration varies depending on the complexity of the orthodontic problem and the treatment plan. On average, most children wear braces for 1 to 3 years.
Will my child need to wear elastics or rubber bands?
Elastics or rubber bands are often used in conjunction with braces to apply additional pressure for tooth movement. Your orthodontist will provide specific instructions if your child needs to wear them.
How can I help my child maintain good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment?
Encourage regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings to maintain oral health during treatment.