A Parent’s Guide to Pediatric Orthodontics

Pediatric orthodontics focuses on diagnosing and treating dental misalignments in children. These services help prevent complications that may occur as they grow and develop. An orthodontist can assess your child's oral development and recommend any treatments they need to protect their young smile.

An overview of pediatric orthodontics

Pediatric orthodontics is a dental specialty that addresses common dental concerns in children, such as crowding, overbites, underbites, and spacing issues. These problems, if left untreated, can lead to difficulties in chewing, speaking, and good oral hygiene as they grow up. An orthodontist who works with young patients can evaluate their jaw growth, tooth eruption patterns, and bite alignment to determine whether they need orthodontic treatment.

Early treatment is often beneficial because a child's jaw is still developing, making it easier to guide teeth into their proper positions. Common treatments in pediatric orthodontics include traditional braces, palatal expanders, and space maintainers, all designed to correct alignment problems efficiently. The recommended treatments will depend on the patient's age and the severity of their misalignment.

The benefits of early orthodontic treatment

Addressing orthodontic concerns can prevent more extensive treatments in the future. For example, early treatment can reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by improving the child's oral hygiene. They also correct harmful oral habits such as prolonged thumb sucking and tongue thrusting. Moreover, early orthodontic treatment can improve the child's speech development and chewing function.

When to consider an orthodontic evaluation

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by their seventh birthday. At this stage, an orthodontist can detect the early signs of misalignment and determine if the child requires treatment. Some indicators that a child may need orthodontic treatment include:

• Difficulty chewing or biting food
• Mouth breathing
• Thumb sucking beyond the age of five
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth

Although not all children require early orthodontic treatment, an initial evaluation helps plan for possible future needs. Some children may need monitoring, while others may benefit from early corrective measures.

Common treatments in pediatric orthodontics

Several treatment options are available in pediatric orthodontics, depending on the severity of misalignment. Some of the most common treatments include:

• Braces. Traditional metal or ceramic braces apply pressure to gradually shift teeth into their correct positions. These are often recommended for moderate to severe alignment issues.
• Clear aligners. Clear aligners provide a discreet and removable alternative to braces for adolescent patients with minor alignment concerns.
• Palatal expanders. These appliances are used to widen the child's upper jaw, correct crossbites, and create space for permanent teeth to erupt properly.
• Space maintainers. If a child loses a baby tooth prematurely, space maintainers prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, ensuring enough room for permanent teeth to emerge.

The orthodontist will develop a treatment plan tailored to each patient's needs, ensuring the best possible results for their oral development.

Call our office to learn more

Pediatric orthodontics can help you maintain your child's oral health and overall well-being. The Aces Braces team can perform an evaluation to diagnose any orthodontic issues they may have and get them the treatment they need to keep their smile bright and healthy. Call our office to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://www.allthingsdrbobbi.com or call Aces Braces at (718) 709-3903 for an appointment in our Brooklyn office.

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