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Orthodontics for children plays an essential role in the healthy development of the mouth and teeth. This area focuses on correcting dental and jaw problems to promote harmonious growth.
Orthodontics for children does more than just improve the appearance of teeth. It also aims to correct dysfunctions that can affect mastication, speech and even breathing. Early treatment can prevent more serious problems in the future, by ensuring the correct development of teeth and jaws.
Early identification of dental problems in children is crucial. It allows us to intervene at a time when teeth and jaws are still growing, making treatment less complex and shorter. Parents should therefore pay close attention to their children’s habits, such as thumb-sucking, and to the first signs of inadequate dental alignment.
Early treatment offers several benefits, including reduced risk of cavities, gum disease and damage to permanent teeth. They can also reduce the need to remove permanent teeth later on, and shorten the duration of orthodontic treatment in adolescence.
Orthodontics for children embraces a wide range of devices and methods, each adapted to individual needs.
Among these treatments, fixed orthodontic appliances such as braces are the most common. They apply constant pressure to the teeth to gradually move them into the desired position. Removable appliances, such as clear aligners, offer a less visible alternative and are particularly popular for light to moderate corrections. For jaw growth problems or more complex misalignments, palatal correction devices or functional appliances can be used to guide bone growth in a targeted manner. Finally, in cases where space in the mouth is limited, extraction of certain temporary teeth may be necessary to facilitate correct alignment of the permanent teeth.
Orthodontic treatment often begins around age 7, a key period for identifying and addressing dental development problems. However, the approach and type of appliance chosen depend closely on each child’s individual assessment. Some may benefit from early interventions to guide jaw growth, while others will require more targeted corrections at an older age.
Parental support is essential to the success of orthodontic treatment. Encouraging good oral hygiene is essential. What’s more, attending regular appointments contributes significantly to treatment progress. Finally, maintaining a balanced diet is one of the key steps in helping your child through this process.
Encouraging your child and being patient are fundamental. The first few days with a new device can be uncomfortable. Support and reassurance during this period can make a big difference to your child’s treatment experience.
Maintaining open communication with your child’s orthodontist is also vital. As a result, you can keep track of treatment progress and understand the next steps. In addition, not hesitating to ask questions or express concerns ensures that the treatment meets your child’s needs.
On the other hand, orthodontics for children is an important step in ensuring the healthy development of teeth and jaws. So, by starting treatment early, exploring the different options available, and actively supporting your child, you can contribute to his or her healthy, confident smile for years to come.
Find out more about : Orthodontics for adolescents at the Flandres Orthodontie office of Dr Marion Biecq-Sellier and Dr Etienne Payart