subject: Orthodontics For Children - Why, When, How And More [print this page] Orthodontics For Children - Why, When, How And More
These days, a large number of children and preteens are developing problems with their teeth, which invariably impacts the way they look. Orthodontics for children help treat any bite problems like irregularities of the teeth and jaws. Corrective treatments carried out by the orthodontist effectively get rid of any facial irregularities and it greatly improves the way the teeth look. Orthodontics for children is important because: 1. Problems with teeth and jaws can be disfiguring 2. Sometimes problems in teeth and jaws could hinder normal speech and chewing 3. Bite problems can wear down healthy teeth 4. Crooked teeth make oral hygiene very difficult to achieve and lack of oral hygiene can lead to teeth decay and other health problems 5. If left untreated, certain problems can even impact the underlying bone structure 6. Orthodontic problems can lead to pain in the jaws Orthodontic problems in children do not just 'go' away if they are left untreated. Instead, they become worse with the passage of time. If treatment is delayed, it becomes more time consuming and expensive. Some of the early indications of orthodontic problem in children include: 1. Problems with milk teeth (like early decay, falling off too quickly or not falling off on time) 2. Problems with bite and chewing 3. Breathing with their mouth open 4. Sucking thumb, finger or lips 5. Teeth and jaws are out of proportion Orthodontics for children must start early. There are many reasons for this. When they are young, their teeth and jaws are still growing. Thus, it is easy to influence their development. Many problems like teeth sucking are easier to treat in young children. Besides, some problems like protruding jaws can be harmful in the long run. Thus, the faster they are corrected, the better it is. Also, early treatment reduces treatment time and cost. Typically, parents should take the child for orthodontic treatment as soon as they observe problems. Some treatments can start as early as 7 years of age. Orthodontics for children must be under the guidance and care of an experienced orthodontist. It is often very difficult to predict how long the treatment will take. Typically, treatments could take anywhere from 3 months to a couple of years depending on the nature and longevity of the problem. Only after a thorough consultation can the orthodontist decide how long it will take to treat a particular problem. Generally, the orthodontist will take into account the previous medical history of the child, capture photographs and x-rays of the problem area, formulate a treatment plan and discuss the same with parents before starting treatment. Treatment could include procedures such a removal of existing teeth, use of temporary appliances and fixing permanent appliances. Treatment will require periodic visit to the orthodontist. Thus, an orthodontist who inspires confidence is best suited for children.
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