Children Orthodontics

The role of children orthodontics in treating dental problems is very significant. At the age of 7 years, children should have a consultation with an orthodontist to assess and evaluate their dental growth pattern. After children get their first few permanent teeth, it is time to consider the pattern of growth of their jaws, the positions in which their new teeth are erupting and if any abnormalities or imperfections are potential. At Ortho 360 in Austin, Texas, we offer free orthodontic consultation for children. The advantage of early consultation with us as Ortho 360 is that any future mal-alignment problems can quickly be intervened, thus preventing potential dental problems.

Children Orthodontics: Why They Need Treatment

There can be many reasons why children grow up to have crooked or crowded teeth. It could be inadequate space for the permanent teeth at the times of their eruption, early primary tooth loss or a small jaw, allowing less space for teeth to erupt comfortably. Many children also have habits such as tongue- thrusting and thumb- sucking, which can cause the front teeth to grow highly protruded and hamper their ability to close the mouth properly. Crooked teeth also lead to inadequate cleaning, allowing decay and cavities to form more easily. In any case, the practice of orthodontics on children becomes necessary to correct the problem.

Children Orthodontics: The Advantages of Early Treatment

At Ortho 360, we pay special attention on children orthodontics and focus on making the best treatment plan for them as they grow. Quite often, children will not require extensive treatment with orthodontics before they get all their permanent teeth. Simple functional appliances may be used by our highly experienced team of orthodontists to ensure that their teeth grow in the right positions. Such appliances include:

• Space maintainers after milk teeth fall out, to maintain space for new teeth
• Retainers to prevent the permanent teeth moving out of place or crowding
• Tongue cribs or tongue spurs to prevent the tongue- thrusting habits most children have
• Thumb appliances to stop the thumb- sucking habit
• Herbst appliance to promote lower jaw growth

After children have all their permanent teeth, they may not need braces as the functional appliances served their purpose well. Sometimes when children have orthodontic problems beyond the reach of treatment with simple functional appliances, then a second phase of treatment includes fixed braces, with or without appliances. Head gear may also be used to prevent the upper jaw from growing too far beyond the lower jaw. This kind of treatment with orthodontics is known as Two Phase treatment, where from the ages of 5- 12 years, functional appliances do the tooth movement and maintenance work and then from 12- 14 years, fixed braces correct the mal-alignment of teeth.

Taking advantage of children orthodontics at an early age is always advised, and preferred over treating at an older age. This is because children are under a constant state of growth and development and so manipulating their growth pattern is much easier. Their treatment time is shorter and less bone is resorbed as compared to teenage and adult treatment, since young bone just forms in the direction it is controlled to. Also, younger children are more cooperative than teenagers when they have braces and when removable appliances need to be worn!

Children Orthodontics: Where can I find an Ortho 360 office in Austin?

At Ortho 360 in Austin, Texas, we have helped many treat their dental problems with the help of children orthodontics. We have three main offices in Austin- Central Austin, Bastrop and Avery Ranch, serving the whole of Travis County, Avery County and Williamson County. With our wide distribution of expert orthodontic services and our easy accessibility, we are never too far. With Ortho 360, you can find the best treatment for your children giving them a lifetime of perfect smiles!