Currently there are several types of therapeutic action in pediatric orthodontics. Early detection and application of orthopedic treatment at the best time guarantees better results, shortens the duration and all at low cost with appliances designed for this purpose. In the following article, the specialists at Clínica Dental Madrid explain their techniques.
Dentofacial orthopedics involves the orientation of growth and facial development during the period of childhood and adolescence. During this period, the orthodontic specialist evaluates craniofacial growth and the anterior-posterior and transverse position of the teeth and jaws in order to detect and prevent skeletal and dental malformation.
In case of not acting in time, the child may present skeletal problems such as facial asymmetries or dental malposition that may lead to possible muscle and joint pain. These pathologies require complex, long and costly treatments in adulthood.
Advantages of early treatment in orthodontics for children
At our Madrid Dental Clinic we recommend starting traditional check-ups from the age of 5, unless the pediatrician or parents detect any pathology. Early treatment contributes to the correct growth and development of the mandible and maxilla, corrects bad habits such as sucking or swallowing, creates space for teeth that have yet to erupt, reduces or eliminates respiratory or speech problems and reduces the risk of suffering trauma to protruding teeth.
It should be noted that it would never be possible to achieve a balanced and harmonious oral and facial structure without correcting growth problems at an early age. This would avoid the need for surgical solutions in adulthood. In the event that orthopedic intervention is not necessary, the orthodontist will monitor growth and tooth replacement every six months until the child’s permanent teeth have grown in.
Orthodontic treatment
It is important to start orthodontic treatment when children have completed tooth replacement, in order to correct the teeth that are in bad position, recovering their chewing function, their natural position and esthetics, achieving balance. Before starting the treatment, x-rays, models, photographs and other diagnostic tests will be taken to establish the exact point of the growth curve in which the patient is. In this way, a specific diagnosis is obtained and a specific and individualized treatment plan is created for each case.
To achieve the best results in orthodontic treatment, appliances are applied that allow dental movement such as brackets or invisible orthodontic techniques such as Invisalign, which in adolescents is called Invisalign Teen.