Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children

Importance of an Orthodontic Assessment for Children

Is early orthodontic treatment necessary for my child? Ensuring your children have healthy and strong teeth is essential to their overall development. Paediatric orthodontics enhances aesthetics and promotes functionality, providing your child with the best opportunity for lifelong dental health.

Early interceptive orthodontic treatment in Singapore, particularly during the transitional phase of teeth formation, can prevent the need for extensive orthodontic procedures later in life.

Orthodontics focuses on improving the balance of the mouth and jaws. It can correct misaligned bites and overbites, making oral hygiene practices and eating more manageable. Braces also close gaps and align crowded teeth, resulting in a more pleasing smile while reducing the risk of plaque buildup and gum disease. Moreover, they guide the proper positioning of permanent teeth.

The benefits of straightening your child’s teeth include:

• Lower risk of injury to protruding front teeth
• Reduction in the risk of plaque accumulation and food trapping caused by crowded teeth
• Guidance of jaw growth to correct overbites
• Correction of crossbites that can impact facial symmetry
• Proper alignment  of permanent teeth and correction of crooked teeth
• Improved arrangement of teeth, lips, and face for enhanced aesthetics
• Potential reduction in the need for future treatments as your child grows older

Your child will experience improved oral hygiene practices and establish a solid foundation for lifelong oral health by achieving a well-aligned dentition.

Earlier detection of Jaw and Overbite Issues 

Orthodontic treatment conducted during adolescence tends to yield excellent results. Since children’s jaw bones are not as dense during this stage compared to adulthood, the duration of treatment is relatively short.

Our objective is to identify potential issues at an early stage and guide the development of the face and jaw during the active growth phase. Through early interceptive care, we carefully monitor and modify jaw growth. These interventions leverage a child’s natural development to enhance their smiles, facial appearance, and profiles. As a result, the eventual need for removing healthy permanent teeth in Phase II treatment is often minimised, leading to reduced overall care costs.

Get Started Early, No Need for Braces in the Future 

Early intervention is key to achieving optimal results in paediatric orthodontic treatment. The benefits of early treatment can reduce or even eliminate the need for full-time braces later in life. This saves time and effort and reduces costs in the long term.

Choosing the right orthodontic specialist is crucial for a successful braces journey. Look for an orthodontist who specialises in working with children and has extensive experience in the field. At TEETH @ Tiong Bahru, we have provided orthodontic services to children for over a decade, with a proven track record of successfully treating over a thousand patients.

When Should I Take My Child for an Orthodontic Assessment

Orthodontic treatment for children can begin before all baby teeth have fallen out, targeting specific tooth problems. We advise parents to bring their children for an orthodontic assessment around 5 to ensure proper tooth development. 

By evaluating your child’s teeth early on, you are providing them with the best chance of maintaining healthy teeth for life. While not all children require early orthodontic treatment, we strongly recommend scheduling their first orthodontic evaluation between the ages of 5 to 7, preferably at a child-friendly dental clinic.

At TEETH @ Tiong Bahru dentistry for kids orthodontics, we take a proactive approach to early corrective treatment, aiming to prevent the need for more complex interventions during their teenage years. We aim to give your child the best opportunity for lifelong dental health.

Paediatric Orthodontic Treatment Process

If you and your child decide to proceed with orthodontic treatment, we will refer you to our specialist orthodontist, who can see you at our clinic or one of their other central locations.

We will conduct a thorough orthodontic assessment during the initial stage to evaluate your teeth alignment, bite, and overall oral health. We will also assess your child’s facial profile, including the position of their lips and chin about their teeth. Using the latest technology, such as TRIOS® 3D scanning, we will assess the health and provide a smile simulation to visualise potential treatment outcomes before starting the treatment.

Initially, you may experience mild discomfort and temporary changes in speech for a few days, which is normal and will subside quickly.

Throughout the orthodontic treatment and afterwards, your child will continue to receive regular check-ups with our dentist to monitor their oral health. The duration of the treatment typically ranges from 6 to 18  months. Our orthodontist will provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan, explaining the advantages, disadvantages, and costs. 

Even after the treatment, your child will have follow-up orthodontic reviews. While undergoing paediatric orthodontic treatment, good oral hygiene, including regular scaling and polishing, and following dietary advice are essential.

Our dental team is dedicated to addressing any questions or concerns. We strive to understand your goals and develop a customised treatment plan that aligns with your needs and aspirations.

Orthodontic Treatment Cost

The pros and cons of early orthodontic treatment can benefit your child and potentially reduce the need for more extensive and costly corrective treatment in the future. The cost of orthodontic treatment varies based on your child’s specific requirements. The duration of treatment can range from 6 months to approximately 18 months.

At TEETH @ Tiong Bahru, our paediatric dentistry services prioritise timely care and offer prompt assessments and treatments without lengthy waiting lists. We understand the importance of minimising disruptions to your child’s education, so we provide after-school appointments, ensuring they don’t miss any classes. We strongly encourage you to schedule a consultation with our dentist to discuss your child’s needs and treatment costs.