Orthodontics in children and adolescents: early treatment
Orthodontics in children and adolescents is a dental treatment used to correct the position of the teeth and jaw. The recommended age to start treatment is between 6 and 12 years of age, as at this stage of life the bones of the mouth are still developing and it is easier to correct bite and dental alignment problems. At Clínica Arcdental we offer orthodontics for children and adolescents with the aim of guaranteeing a healthy and functional smile.
- What are the most common dental problems in children and adolescents?
- Why is it important to correct dental problems in children and adolescents?
- What is the process of orthodontic treatment for children and adolescents?
What are the most common dental problems in children and adolescents?
The most common dental problems in children and adolescents that may require orthodontic treatment are:
- Crooked or crowded teeth: when teeth are too close together or rotated.
- Tooth spacing: when there is excessive space between teeth.
- Overbite: when the upper teeth cover the lower teeth too much.
- Crossbite: when the upper teeth are inside the lower teeth.
- Prognathism: when the upper jaw is forward in relation to the lower jaw.
Why is it important to correct dental problems in children and adolescents?
- Correcting dental problems in children and adolescents not only improves the aesthetics of the smile, but also has important benefits for the patient’s dental and general health. Some of these benefits are:
- Improved chewing and digestion of food.
- Reduced risk of caries and gum disease.
- Prevention of dental injuries caused by a misaligned bite.
- Improved pronunciation and speech.
- Improved self-esteem and confidence.
What is the orthodontic treatment process for children and adolescents?
The orthodontic treatment process for children and adolescents depends on the type of dental problem to be corrected and the age of the patient. In general, the treatment process includes the following phases:
- Evaluation: The orthodontist evaluates the patient’s bite and dental alignment using x-rays, photographs and moulds of the mouth.
- Treatment planning: The orthodontist plans the most appropriate orthodontic treatment for the patient and explains the process and duration of treatment.
- Fitting of braces: The orthodontic appliances are fitted to correct the position of the teeth and jaw. These can be metal or ceramic brackets, clear aligners or retainers.
- Periodic adjustments: The orthodontist makes periodic adjustments to the braces to gradually correct the position of the teeth and jaw.
- Removal of braces: Once the position of the teeth and jaw has been corrected, the braces are removed and retainers are placed to maintain progress.
In conclusion, orthodontics in children and adolescents is a very beneficial dental treatment to correct bite and dental alignment problems at an early stage of life. In addition to improving the aesthetics of the smile, this treatment can prevent long-term dental health problems, improve chewing and digestion of food, prevent dental injuries and improve pronunciation and speech. At Clinicas Udemax we offer personalised orthodontic treatments adapted to the needs of each patient to guarantee a healthy and functional smile in the long term.
Make an appointment at Udemax Clinics, at Arcdental, your children’s clinic located in Zona Colegios, or at Emardental, your clinic in the centre of Palma. Or call us on .
Clinicas Udemax
At Clinicas Udemax we offer the youngest patients in the family a personalised service provided by a team of specialists in children’s and teenagers’ dental cases. Our objective is to offer the least invasive and most effective treatments at these ages to guarantee the development of a healthy mouth, establishing the basis of an adequate oral health that will allow the adult to maintain an aesthetic and functional smile for years to come.
It is important in our clinic to offer the greatest peace of mind and safety with our treatments. For this reason, we have a team specialised in paediatric dentistry techniques and preventive and corrective orthodontics that continues to be trained to apply the latest technology and guarantee excellent and long-lasting results.
