Orthodontics at an early age allows to solve some dental problems that, with age, become more complicated: crossbite, bad habits or lack of space, are some of them.
Recommended age for orthodontics in children
Any age is a good age to check the dentition. In most cases, it is not necessary to do anything at an early age, but there are some problems that do require an immediate solution, regardless of the age at which they are detected, such as antagonist teeth that close backwards, the so-called crossbite. In any case, the first visit to the orthodontist should not be delayed beyond the age of 6 years.
Cases in which orthodontics is placed in children
It depends on the problem and the age of the children. One of the most frequent is the aforementioned crossbite. They usually cause a deviation of the jaw and, if left, can cause it to grow asymmetrically. This is why it should be solved right away.
Other problems in children are the result of bad habits, such as thumb sucking or putting the tongue between the teeth when swallowing saliva. It is also advisable to intervene at an early age to correct them more easily.
On the other hand, there are also problems of lack of space for the permanent teeth that can be solved more easily if braces are placed a little before all the replacement of the baby teeth is completed. This usually occurs around the age of 12.
Types of orthodontics in children and uses
The advantage of treating children and adolescents, i.e. when growth is not yet complete, is that not only can we act on the teeth, but we can also modify the jaw bones to some extent. Many orthodontic problems are the result of poor coordination between the maxilla and mandible. When this occurs in an adult patient, the only way to modify the bones is by orthognathic surgery.
Apart from this, in both youngsters and adults, the types of appliances that can be used are the same, fixed orthodontics by means of brackets attached to the teeth and wires to move them, or plastic or invisible orthodontics, by means of transparent aligners that can be removed and put on.
Most recommended type of orthodontics
Invisible orthodontics is more comfortable and esthetic, although there are treatments that cannot be performed with it, as it has certain limitations. It is also very demanding in that the braces must be worn all day and only taken off to eat, so it should be reserved for compliant and responsible patients.
Orthodontics in children: esthetic or functional problems?
Aesthetic problems are also important and can cause psychological suffering in both children and adults, but they should not be dismissed as superfluous. Orthodontics can solve aesthetic problems and functional problems of masticatory function. It is all part of a person’s health.