Early Orthodontics
It's never too early to keep an eye on your child's oral development and dental care. Your dentist can identify malocclusion - crowded, skew or crooked teeth, bite problems or permanent teeth coming in crooked - and intervene early to guide the teeth as they emerge in the mouth. Malocclusion is often inherited but can be caused by dental injuries, the early loss of primary teeth, or dental habits such as thumb sucking, fingernail biting, or lip biting. Early braces and orthodontic treatment for kids can prevent more extensive treatment later.
Orthodontics
There are many reasons for altered mouth posture from the ideal, often occurring early in life. Dr Chodree aims to correct structural issues and support normal facial growth, helping parents feel reassured about guiding their child's development.
Often, the upper and lower jaws do not grow horizontally as they should, dropping down and back. When the lower jaw drops more, it may cause the upper front teeth to appear to stick out, but both jaws are usually too far back and need correction by being brought forward and outward. Widening the upper jaw helps create a palate that supports proper tongue posture against the roof of the mouth.
Encouraging the lower jaw to grow forward involves teaching the child to hold their teeth and lips together, with the tongue against the roof of the mouth. While challenging, this collaborative effort can foster hope and confidence in achieving normal growth.
How do I know my child needs braces?
The following factors may be warning signs of malocclusions:
- Crooked, wonky or crowded teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Teeth grinding
- Thumb or finger sucking – this may cause the front teeth to protrude
- Early (before four years old) loss of teeth
- Late (after seven years old) loss of teeth
Starting orthodontic treatment early can give your child a healthier smile and boost your confidence as a parent in supporting their well-being. Paediatric orthodontics can straighten teeth, guide erupting teeth into position, correct bite problems, and prevent the need for tooth extractions. Straight teeth are easier to keep clean and less susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease & infection (such as gingivitis or periodontal disease).
How long should my child have braces?
Each child's mouth and alignment are different, so it will depend on how severe the malocclusion is. It could be anything from 12 to 36 months, usually.
What changes once my child gets braces?
It is crucial for you to stay attentive to your child's dental health during early orthodontic care. Proper brushing, flossing, and mouth washing are vital. Remember to help your child avoid sticky foods like toffees, gum, and taffy, and hard foods like ice, hard candy, peanuts, and popcorn to maintain their dental health effectively.
