5 Things to Know About Pediatric Orthodontics

Pediatric orthodontics is important for a child's dental development and long-term oral health. Parents and caregivers should know when to start treatment, what types of appliances are necessary, and the benefits of early intervention. The following five points can improve your child's growth and development, keeping their smile aligned and healthy.

1. Early evaluation can protect a child's long-term oral health.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic consultation by age seven. At this stage, an orthodontist can identify potential issues such as crowding, bite misalignment, or abnormal jaw growth. Early detection allows for timely intervention, which can simplify future treatments and improve outcomes.

2. There are a variety of appliances available

A variety of appliances and devices are common in pediatric orthodontics, including:

• Traditional braces. Comprised of metal brackets and archwires, braces are the most common treatment for aligning older children's moderate to severe bite issues.
• Clear aligners. A less visible alternative for patients with mild to moderate alignment problems.
• Palatal expanders. This orthodontic device widens a narrow upper jaw while also correcting crowded, crooked, and overlapping teeth.
• Space maintainers. A space maintainer holds the space in a child's mouth after they lose a baby tooth prematurely, preventing the surrounding teeth from shifting.
• Retainers. These devices maintain the results of the pediatric orthodontic treatment, preventing the teeth from returning to their previous positions.

The selection of the chosen appliance depends on the child's age, needs, and the orthodontist's evaluation and diagnosis.

3. Pediatric orthodontics can be preventive or corrective

Pediatric orthodontics does not always focus on correcting existing problems. Many treatments are preventive, guiding the patient's jaw growth and tooth alignment. For example, space maintainers provide the permanent teeth enough room to erupt in the correct position after a child loses a baby tooth prematurely. In contrast, corrective treatments address issues such as overbites, underbites, and crooked teeth, often combining braces or other appliances for effective, long-term results.

4. Early treatment can reduce the need for complex treatments later

When kids undergo pediatric orthodontics at the appropriate age, the treatment can significantly reduce the complexity and duration of future orthodontic treatment. Early intervention prevents severe malocclusions or jaw misalignments, which may require surgery or prolonged orthodontic care if left untreated. When the orthodontist is able to detect issues while a child's jaw is still developing, they can guide growth and minimize the need for more extensive procedures later in adolescence or adulthood.

5. Oral hygiene is just as important

Good oral hygiene is essential during pediatric orthodontic treatment. Braces, aligners, and other orthodontic devices can trap food particles, which raises the risk of cavities and gum disease. Parents should work with their children and teach them how to brush and floss carefully around their orthodontic devices. They should also visit their dental provider regularly to keep their teeth healthy. Good oral hygiene habits help kids achieve healthy, aligned smiles.

Schedule your child's first appointment at our Philadelphia office

Pediatric orthodontics provides a foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. This dental specialty can empower parents and caregivers to make informed decisions regarding their child's oral development and growth. Call our Philadelphia office to learn more about pediatric orthodontics or to schedule your child's first appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://philadelphia.allthingsdrbobbi.com or call Aces Braces - Philadelphia at (215) 240-8243 for an appointment in our Philadelphia office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontics for Children in Philadelphia, PA.