Orthodontic treatment for children and young people
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Animation example, treatment of children: Female patient, age 4, after 8 months of treatment |
The best time to start treatment should be selected to ensure that treatment takes the least amount of time. Orthodontic treatment generally begins between the age of 9 and 12 when it can have the best impact on the development of permanent teeth and jaw growth. Treatment before the age of 4 is not usually necessary. Children age 4 and over are treated early to prevent misalignments of the jaw and teeth at an early stage. This ensures normal jaw development and tooth alignment in the future. |
Habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing or speech disorders should be stopped at an early stage.
This prevents a large number of potential misalignments.
If necessary, we will refer you to a speech therapist or ear, nose and throat specialist.
When children lose milk teeth prematurely, usually because of caries, a brace will be needed to stop teeth moving and allow permanent teeth to develop normally.
The following misalignments of teeth and jaw should be treated at an early age:
- the gap between the incisors is large both horizontally and vertically
- the patient suffers from malocclusion of molars or incisors