Orthodontics plays a pivotal role in children’s dental health, addressing alignment issues and ensuring proper oral development. As children’s teeth and jaws grow, they may encounter various orthodontic problems that can affect their overall well-being and self-esteem.Early orthodontic intervention not only helps to make the child’s smile beautiful but also promotes healthy oral function. In this post, we will explore what children’s orthodontics entails, highlight five key benefits of early treatment, and discuss the treatment options available to ensure your child’s dental health is right on track.
What is Children’s Orthodontics?
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive treatment, is the dental and oral treatment of children from as young as 7 years old. If your child is experiencing severe dental issues beyond just crooked teeth, a children’s orthodontist can help begin correcting the problem whilst all their permanent teeth erupt.
So, while a lot of people think you should wait until all of your child’s adult teeth have come in before scheduling an appointment with your orthodontist – that doesn’t ring true in our experience. We recommend bringing your child in for the first time around the age of 8 or 9.
While your child might be missing teeth or still has some baby teeth, their permanent molars and incisors will be in, which gives orthodontists a good idea of treatment needs. Especially with the power of X-rays to reveal hidden teeth, doctors should be able to determine the child’s growth and when is best to begin treatment.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
By addressing dental issues at a young age, orthodontists can help set the foundation for a lifetime of optimal oral health and aesthetic appeal. Here are some benefits of early intervention:
1. Improved Dental Health
Early orthodontic treatment can effectively address issues such as overcrowding, misalignment, and bite problems. By correcting these conditions, children will be able to clean their teeth easily and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Studies indicate that children who undergo early treatment experience less tooth decay and are less likely to face early tooth loss.
2. Enhanced Facial Structure
Correcting alignment issues at an early age can lead to improved facial symmetry and aesthetics. Proper alignment helps enhance the smile and contributes positively to overall facial structure, boosting self-esteem and confidence as children grow.
3. Prevention of Future Problems
Early intervention can help prevent complex orthodontic issues from developing later in life. For instance, addressing jaw discrepancies or severe bite issues early on can mitigate the need for extensive treatments in the future. This approach can save time and money and alleviate the discomfort associated with more invasive procedures later.
4. Shorter Treatment Duration
Starting treatment early often leads to shorter overall treatment times. Children who begin orthodontic care before age 12 typically require less time in braces compared to older adolescents or adults. This is because younger patients’ bones are still developing, making it easier to guide the child’s teeth into their proper positions.
5. Enhanced Growth and Development
Orthodontic treatment can guide jaw growth and alignment during critical developmental stages in children. By addressing alignment issues early, orthodontists can ensure proper growth patterns that support healthy dental development as children mature. This guidance helps prevent future complications related to misaligned teeth or jaws.
When to Bring Your Child to an Orthodontist?
It’s easy for the general public to see a bad bite when the child’s permanent teeth have come up. However, there are other indicators parents should keep in mind as they can pinpoint the need to see an orthodontist.
If you notice the following with your kids at an early age, they might benefit from orthodontic treatment for children:
- Early, irregular or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty or discomfort in chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Protruding teeth
- Thumb sucking beyond the age of 5
- Under- or overbite
- Crowded, misplaced or crooked teeth
- Jaw and teeth that are not proportioned to the rest of the face
- Problems talking.
- There are large gaps.
- There is pain in the jaws.
What is the Ideal Age for Your Children to Visit an Orthodontist?
A lot of people think you should wait until all of your child’s adult teeth have come in before scheduling an appointment with your orthodontist. You may want to schedule the initial consultation before this. We recommend bringing your child in for the first time around the age of 8 or 9.
While your child will still have some of their adorable baby teeth, most likely, their permanent molars and incisors will be in, so we can get a good idea of what we’re working with. Most parents can agree on the importance of orthodontic treatment for children with alignment problems, but many aren’t sure of when and why. Here’s what you should know.
Orthodontic Treatments for Children
Orthodontic treatments for children are essential for ensuring proper dental alignment and overall oral health. It is important for parents to understand the various treatment options available for their children:
1. Braces
Braces consist of metal brackets connected by wires that gradually shift the teeth into their optimal positions. Braces do offer several benefits for children:
- Effective for Various Issues: Braces can correct a wide range of dental problems, such as overcrowding, gaps, and bite misalignments.
- Durability: They are strong and can withstand significant forces, making them suitable for complex cases.
- Customization: Modern braces come in various materials, including ceramic and lingual options, catering to aesthetic preferences.
2. Invisalign for Kids
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces, utilizing clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Here are some advantages of Invisalign in children:
- Aesthetic: The clear aligners are virtually invisible, allowing children to smile confidently during treatment.
- Comfort: Made from smooth plastic, they reduce the risk of irritation associated with metal brackets.
- Convenience: Aligners can be removed for eating, drinking and oral hygiene, making it easier to maintain optimal dental care.
3. Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are devices used to hold space in the mouth when a tooth is lost prematurely. They help children in various ways:
- Preventing Misalignment: They ensure that adjacent teeth do not shift into the empty space from the lost one, which can lead to misalignment and complications later on.
- Facilitating Proper Growth: By maintaining space, they allow permanent teeth to erupt correctly when the time comes.
4. Palate Expanders
Palate expanders are orthodontic devices designed to widen the upper jaw. They offer benefits to children:
- Correcting Narrow Arches: They help correct crossbites and create space for crowded teeth.
- Improving Bite Alignment: By expanding the palate, they can improve overall bite function and aesthetics.
How much does orthodontic treatment cost in Australia?
The cost of orthodontic treatments in Australia varies widely depending on the type of treatment, the complexity of the case, and the duration of care. Below is a comparison of the price ranges for different orthodontic treatment options, along with information on insurance coverage.
| Treatment Option | Price Range (AUD) | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Metal Braces | $5,500 – $9,000 | Often partially covered by health funds |
| Ceramic Braces | $6,500 – $9,500 | It may be covered depending on the policy |
| Lingual Braces | $9,500 – $15,000 | Coverage varies |
| Clear Aligners (Invisalign) | $6,500 – $9,500 | Typically covered under extras policies |
What to Ask During an Orthodontic Consultation
When preparing for an orthodontic consultation, it’s essential for parents to ask the right questions to ensure they make informed decisions regarding their child’s treatment. Here’s a checklist of important questions and considerations to bring to the consultation:
- What are my treatment options? Inquire about the different types of orthodontic treatments available, such as traditional braces, clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign), and any other alternatives.
- Which treatment option do you recommend for my child and why? Ask the orthodontist to explain the reasoning behind their recommendation based on your child’s specific dental needs.
- What is your orthodontic background? Understanding the orthodontist’s qualifications, experience, and approach can help build trust.
- How long will treatment take? Get an estimate of the duration of the treatment process and factors that might affect this timeline.
- What will the total cost of treatment be? Request a detailed breakdown of costs, including what is included (e.g., retainers, follow-up visits) and any potential additional charges.
- Do you accept insurance, and what does it cover? Clarify which insurance plans are accepted and what portion of the orthodontic treatment costs will be covered.
- How often will follow-up appointments be necessary? Knowing the frequency of appointments will help you plan accordingly for school or work schedules.
- What lifestyle changes will need to be made during treatment? Discuss any dietary restrictions or changes in oral hygiene practices that may be required.
- Can you provide before-and-after photos of similar cases? Viewing past results can help set realistic expectations for treatment outcomes.
- What happens if my child loses a retainer or breaks a bracket? Understanding the protocol for emergencies can help you prepare for unexpected situations.
Tips for Choosing the Right Orthodontist for Your Child
Here are a few tips to help you find a trustworthy, effective, and, of course, affordable children’s orthodontist.
- Consider their background and experience. Check out their specialty training history, accreditation with relevant professional bodies, and if any, professional recognition for outstanding work.
- Word of Mouth – A first-hand review from people who have been previously treated by the orthodontist will help you predict your own experience. Listen or read about how they describe their success, by which you can gauge the orthodontist’s skill and expertise.
- Consultation – A physical visit to the orthodontist will help clear up any lingering questions. You can ask your questions, assess their manner, empathy, and enthusiasm, and hear their views about treatment options for your problem.
- Affordability – The cost of fixing dental or facial problems can be prohibitive, so be sure to get a quote first and compare. The best orthodontists also have flexible payment plans to help you pay in instalments without stretching your pocket too much.
- Location and availability/team size – Orthodontic procedures are rarely completed with one visit. You will be having follow-up visits over months or even years, so you need to choose an orthodontist who is near you and is available when needed.
Why is the Smile Team Perfect for You?
Smile Team has worked hard over many years to become the orthodontists of choice in Shellharbour, Wollongong, and Bowral. Here are four reasons why you should trust Smile Team to restore your smile to full glory:
- Three convenient locations to make access easy and stress-free. We also have free, convenient parking for our patients during visits.
- With a large team of orthodontists, oral care therapists, treatment consultants, and other staff, we are all you need to get your smile and bite back.
- Wide range of industry-leading procedures and treatment options, including being a Diamond member of Invisalign™.
- Flexible payment options – Smile Team has affordable payment plans for all procedures.
Still not sure if the Smile Team is right for you? Book a complimentary assessment today by simply filling out a form. We will discuss our procedures, fees, payment plans, and more with you.
Conclusion
Finding the right orthodontic treatment for children involves weighing multiple options, from traditional braces to Invisalign, space maintainers, and palate expanders. While cost is a significant consideration, factors such as the effectiveness of the treatment, convenience, comfort, and expertise also play crucial roles.
Ensuring the choice of a competent orthodontist can transform your child’s dental health, making consultations a valuable step in the decision-making process. Smile Team offers services, strategic locations, and flexible payment plans, offering convenience and assurance for parents seeking quality orthodontic care.
By understanding the available options and asking the right questions, you can confidently embark on the journey to a healthier, brighter smile for your child.