A kid’s smile and dental health are critical to their health and self-confidence. It also has aesthetic benefits and improves overall health. Sunny Smiles Kids offers much-needed solutions for a wide array of dental problems.
Maintaining oral hygiene is easier when your kid’s teeth are correctly aligned. It helps avoid tooth decay and gum diseases, often leading to severe dental issues if left untreated. Orthodontic treatment for kids encompasses almost all dental problems. The procedure enhances the teeth’ functionality and appearance, thus improving overall dental health.
American Association of Orthodontists advises parents to take their children to an orthodontist by the time they reach seven years old. Even though not all adult teeth are present by age 7, some dental problems manifest.
The kid’s first visit to an orthodontist must not be due to signs of dental problems. It is usually for assessment. An early evaluation helps keep the kid’s dental health at its peak by avoiding most issues. However, the treatment procedure is divided into two phases if your child already has some dental problems.
What causes children’s orthodontic problems?
Although there is no definitive cause for kids’ orthodontic problems, some are primarily due to bad habits.
They include;
- Thumb/finger sucking
- Mouth breathing
- Accidents
- Poor nutrition
- Abnormal swallowing
In some instances, some problems are inherited. Acquired orthodontic problems may worsen inherited problems. However, the kid’s dentist in 92014 can successfully treat any orthodontic issues.
Symptoms to look out for in your child
- Facial imbalance
- Early/late tooth loss
- Slow/abnormal teeth development
- Teeth grinding
- Shifting jaws
- Mouth breathing
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Incoherent speech
- Jaws that make sounds
If you notice some of these symptoms, urgently book an appointment with our professional children’s orthodontist. Once you visit the orthodontist, they will treat your child using the famous two-phase treatment.
Two-phase kid’s orthodontic treatment
It involves kids with dispositioned teeth and jaw problems. It’s more effective if started at an early age.
Phase 1
Phase one is essential to orthodontics since it counters any upcoming dental problem. The problems can be countered easily before all adult teeth emerge. It is in most cases performed on kids whose teeth are self-damaging or are significantly misaligned. It is usually conducted on either jaw, upper or bottom.
Mid-treatment retention
A retainer happens after the phase one treatment has been conducted. It maintains the corrections that were performed. It allows the baby teeth to fall and adult teeth to eject on the adjusted positions. The retainer is kept until the second phase of treatment is started.
Phase 2
Phase two treatment entails inserting a brace on all adult teeth. It completes the orthodontic treatment started in phase one. The second phase of treatment aims to ensure that all teeth are in precise locations in the mouth and have harmony with each other, the cheeks, lips, and tongue. It also ensures that the teeth function properly.
Phase two retainer treatment
In some instances, some children only have minor dental issues. They, therefore, only need minor corrections. In such cases, a retainer moves the teeth instead of braces. They are easy, cost-effective, and ideal ways to care for your kid’s orthodontic needs.
Clear Aligners
In the recent past, the use of clear aligners (like Invisalign) to straighten teeth has been on the rise. They are clear plastic aligners that are, unlike braces, removable. They are fitted after a digital scan to ensure perfect alignment. Children usually undergo a series of transformations with different aligners until they get into an ideal shape.
Conclusion
It will help if you do not wait until your child shows signs of teeth defects. Similarly, do not wait until the problems heighten for you to take action. Take your children to an orthodontist for a yearly check-up to ensure any underlying issues are detected and treated.
Book an appointment with an orthodontist to avoid most dental problems that may affect your kid’s dental health in later years. Do not wait until necessary since the treatment will improve the smile, teeth performance, and general appearance.