When your child flashes you a bright smile, they may reveal a charming mix of baby and adult teeth. As a parent, you might wonder if your child’s slightly crooked teeth will straighten out on their own or if it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic problems affect as many as nine out of ten people. The signs of these problems are often present at a young age, sometimes before a child’s permanent teeth have all emerged.
Early orthodontic intervention can make a world of difference in your child’s oral health and confidence. Not only this, but treatment can have less impact on a younger child’s life than it might as a teenager or adult.
Let’s discuss why acting sooner rather than later could be the best decision for your little one’s smile.
Early orthodontic intervention typically begins between the ages of 7 and 11, when children still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. It’s about identifying and addressing potential issues with the position of their teeth before they become more serious.
Think of early orthodontic treatment as a head start on a healthy, beautiful smile.
As a parent, you’re probably naturally valiant about changes in your child’s health and development. Keep an eye out for these common signs of orthodontic problems:
If you notice any of these, it’s worth booking a consultation with us. We can assess whether early intervention is necessary.
Acting early has several advantages:
Over time, bacteria can build up in gaps in your child’s smile or the hard-to-clean corners created by crooked teeth. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease.
Addressing issues early can prevent them from worsening over time. Bite alignment issues can cause jaw problems like temporomandibular joint disorder, a painful condition which causes strain around the sides of your child’s jaw. This pain can spread to their head, neck, and shoulders.
The position of a child’s teeth may also affect their bite. Throughout their life, an inability to bite and chew properly may impact their digestion, leading to gastrointestinal problems later in life.
Tackling problems early may reduce the need for more extensive (and expensive) treatment later. It’s easier to align teeth in younger mouths as the distances they need to move aren’t as great and their bones are still developing.
A great smile can work wonders for your child’s self-esteem. Although they may not feel self-conscious about having crooked teeth now, early treatment will mean they’re more likely to enjoy the appearance of their smile when they reach their teenage years.
Fixed braces have long been used to provide reliable results and treat complex cases. Although traditional metal braces are still a popular choice, many parents and children are opting for Invisalign. This innovative treatment uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth gradually.
At Abbey House Dental, we enjoy great success treating patients of all ages using both fixed braces and Invisalign. If either treatment is suitable for your child, we can help you understand the pros and cons of each and make the right choice.
While Invisalign is an excellent option for many children, traditional fixed braces remain a reliable and effective treatment for a wide range of orthodontic issues. Here’s how fixed braces work for our younger patients:
After a full assessment, small brackets are bonded to each tooth using special dental cement. These brackets are connected by a thin wire, which is held in place by small elastic bands.
Every couple of months, your child will visit us for an adjustment. We’ll tighten the wire or replace it with a stronger one, gradually moving the teeth into their desired positions.
The type of brackets and the configuration of the wires can be tailored to your child’s specific needs.This gives us full control of the treatment process and ensures we achieve the expected results. Treatment typically lasts 18-24 months, depending on the complexity of the case.
After the braces are removed, your child will need to wear a retainer to maintain the new position of their teeth.
Fixed braces are particularly effective for complex cases and can sometimes achieve results more quickly than removable aligners. They’re also a good option for children who might struggle with the responsibility of removable aligners.
While they require extra attention to oral hygiene, many children enjoy choosing coloured elastic bands to personalise their braces, making the treatment process more engaging and fun.
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners that your child wears for about 22 hours a day. They’re virtually invisible, so your child won’t feel self-conscious about wearing them. Plus, they’re removable, making it easier for your child to maintain good oral hygiene and enjoy their favourite foods without restrictions.
The Invisalign process is straightforward and comfortable. Here’s what you and your child can expect from the treatment.
We’ll assess your child’s teeth and discuss treatment options. The assessment will use digital scanners, so your child won’t experience any discomfort. During this appointment, we can talk you through the Invisalign treatment process and answer any questions you, or your child, may have.
We’ll create a digital 3D model of your child’s teeth and map out their journey to a straighter smile. The images we generate of your child’s future smile will be accurate. As long as they follow the treatment plan, their smile will look like this by the end of their treatment.
Invisalign treatment is predictable, which means we can accurately determine how long it will take. We’ll discuss the expected duration of your child’s treatment during this initial consultation.
Once we’ve agreed on your child’s treatment plan, we’ll get their custom aligners made. This usually takes a couple of weeks. When they’re back from the laboratory, we’ll show you and your child everything you both need to know about wearing and caring for the aligners.
Your child will change to a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks. Each new aligner is a step forward in their treatment plan. The number of different aligners they’ll have will depend on their case.
Invisalign aligners are comfortable, so your child can enjoy every aspect of their life without worrying about the subtle plastic trays around their teeth.
Regular check-ups ensure everything’s on track. These check-ups are non-invasive, and we’ll make the whole process child-friendly.
After Invisalign has worked its magic and moved your child’s teeth to a more favourable position, we need to ensure their new smile is preserved. We may recommend your child wear a retainer for a while to keep their teeth in their new position.
Retainers are much like aligners. They are comfortable plastic trays which your child will wear over their teeth.
It’s perfectly natural for you to have questions about your child’s oral health and the early orthodontic intervention we might suggest.
Treatment costs vary depending on whether we use fixed braces or Invisalign, and the severity of your child’s case.
While orthodontic treatment is an investment, we offer flexible payment plans. Plus, early intervention could save you money in the long run. We’ll discuss the specific costs of your child’s treatment after we’ve had a chance to fully assess their smile.
Invisalign aligners are designed to fit seamlessly into your child’s routine. They can be removed for eating, brushing, and special occasions. They are comfortable, but your child will need to wear them as much as possible.
If wearing an aligner all the time could prove challenging for your child, we might suggest fixed braces. These can take a little getting used to, but after wearing them for a while, your child will forget all about them.
Your child will need to take care while eating and brushing with fixed braces. You may need to supervise or support your child as they get used to cleaning their braces at first.
Every case is unique, but early intervention often means shorter treatment times compared to waiting until all adult teeth have come through. We’ll let you know how long we expect treatment to take after assessing your child’s teeth.
Here are some tips to help your child throughout their orthodontic journey:
Early orthodontic intervention can set your child up for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles. By addressing issues early, you’re investing in their oral health and overall well-being.
Contact us today to arrange your child’s first orthodontic assessment.
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Our Invisalign® aligners can fix a large range of teeth position issues, by using a set of clear aligners which are custom made to your teeth and almost invisible.
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