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Children Orthodontics

Home Children Orthodontics

Orthodontics for Children and Teenagers

Early treatment/ Interceptive Treatment

Signs and habits that indicate the need for early orthodontic examination:

Early or late loss of baby teeth
Difficulty in chewing or biting
Mouth breathing
Thumb or finger sucking
Crowded, displaced or blocked out teeth
Jaws that shift or make sounds
Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
Sleep disorders and Snoring
Reversed swallowing

Benefits of early treatment

Guide growth of the jaw during a child’s growth spurt
Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches (the arch-shaped jaw bone that supports the teeth)
Guide permanent teeth into desirable positions as they come in
Decreased risk of injury to front teeth
Correct harmful oral habits such as thumb- or finger-sucking
Reduce or eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems
Improve personal appearance and self-esteem
Potentially simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics
Reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth (teeth that should have come in, but have not)
Reduce or increase space for permanent teeth that are coming in

At Muswell Hill Smile, we utilize state of the art orthodontic systems from fully customized braces, lingual braces and Invisalign for teenagers and we are one of only a few practices in the UK offering Myobrace. Please call to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic assessment. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS OF YOUNG PATIENTS

At what age should my child see an orthodontist?

An early assessment around age 6-8 is important so you can take necessary action, and avoid more difficulties later in life. At early age one does not aim to straighten the teeth, but primarily to correct the causes of crooked teeth and underdeveloped jaws.

The best age to American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child be evaluated by age 7. By then, jaws have grown and the presence of some permanent teeth makes it possible to detect existing or future problems – or verify that all seems normal. It’s also a good time to assess the impact of unusual oral habits (such as thumb sucking). Moreover, an early assessment gives parents an opportunity to prepare for future treatment.

What’s the best age to start treatment?

Although treatment can help people at almost any age, the best time for children to begin depends on the problem and the time of diagnosis. Sometimes, very early intervention can avoid more costly, complex and time-consuming procedures in adolescence.

What are the early symptoms of orthodontic problems?

It’s wise to seek advice from an orthodontist if your child displays these (or other noticeable) problems at any age:

Crooked teeth
Overlapping teeth
Gaps between teeth
Protruding top teeth
Protruding bottom teeth
When chewing, jaw moves off-center
When biting, upper teeth cover more than 50% of bottom teeth

Can snoring and sleep disorders harm my child if left untreated?

It’s estimated that 30-40% of children before school age are affected by sleep disorders. This means children are having difficulty to either fall asleep or maintain their sleep pattern. Sleep problems may also lead to daytime problems such as irritability, accidents and injury, mood problems, poor memory and concentration, behavioral problems, emotional distress and aggression.

How can I help my child prepare for braces?

Because children often fear that braces will cause physical pain or personal embarrassment, it’s important to include them in the diagnosis and treatment planning process. Encourage them to ask questions of you and the orthodontist. Nothing should be a mystery. Our entire staff is comfortable talking with children and their families about their questions and concerns before, during and after treatment.

How can I support my child during treatment?

For best results, focus on the lifetime benefits of an improved smile, and the importance of your child’s role in achieving success. Treatment isn’t something that happens to our patients – rather, it’s a process in which they must participate to see the best results. Check-in with children regularly to be sure they understand the orthodontist’s instructions and they’re properly caring for their appliances

Can my child participate in sports or play musical instruments?

Absolutely. If your child is involved in contact sports, we recommend a protective mouthguard. For children who play wind or brass instruments such as the trumpet, braces clearly pose a challenge. However, with patience and persistence, most children adapt successfully.

What’s Phase I (Interceptive) Treatment?

This aims to minimize or avoid some severe orthodontic problems through early intervention. It typically starts at about age 6-7, when a young patient’s first few permanent teeth have grown in. Phase I Treatment takes advantage of the early growth spurt and turns a difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one. It reduces the need for extractions or surgery, and provides better ongoing treatment options and long-term results. Most Phase I patients also require a Phase II Treatment to achieve an ideal bite.

Who needs Phase I Treatment?

Early intervention is appropriate only for certain problems, such as cross bites, crowding and skeletal defects.

Can my 7-year-old child delay Phase I (Interceptive) Treatment?

We don’t recommend it. Phase I Treatment focuses on complex problems that require immediate attention. If you delay, treatment options become limited, the process is more difficult, and long-term stability may be compromised. Delays may also lead to future extractions, oral surgery and increase costs.

What’s Phase II Treatment?

Phase II Treatment usually begins at age 12 or 13, after 20-28 permanent teeth are present. Its goal is to help Phase I patients achieve an ideal bite that will serve them well as adults. Phase II is normally much shorter when patient’s have had phase I treatment.