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Paediatric orthodontics is the practice of specialised orthodontic treatment for children and adolescents. It involves diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities in children, including overcrowded or crooked teeth, malocclusion (a bad bite), and jaw misalignment.
Paediatric orthodontics sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. By correcting dental and facial irregularities at a young age, we can prevent more severe problems from developing later in life. It also promotes proper jaw development, improves speech, and enhances a child's self-esteem and confidence.
The primary goal of early orthodontic treatment is to utilise the specific growth spurts in the jaws that occur between 8 and 10 years of age to develop the upper and lower jaws, thereby ensuring the correct relationship of these jaws to one another. This also provides ample space for the permanent teeth to erupt in the correct position and to facilitate a well-developed airway which is paramount to living a long and healthy life.
Depending on your child's needs, orthodontic treatment can start as early as age 7. Early treatment can address developing problems and make later treatment easier and less invasive. However, not all children need early treatment, and some may benefit from waiting until all their permanent teeth have come in.
Come for a thorough orthodontic assessment to see what kind of support your child needs.
Simple orthodontic corrections can be done with removable orthodontic appliances such as orthodontic plates and, more recently, Spark Clear Aligners. More complex corrections are done with Damon braces with or without the addition of partially-fixed orthodontic expanders. Your child's orthodontic treatment will depend on their specific needs and preferences.
Parents can help their child during orthodontic treatment by encouraging good oral hygiene and dietary habits, ensuring their child follows the treating clinician's instructions, and providing emotional support. It's also important to attend all scheduled appointments and inform us of any changes or concerns.
Kids can be anxious or scared during dental appointments, so we know it's crucial for a child to feel at ease when visiting an orthodontic practitioner. With patience and compassion, we aim to establish trust and communicate clearly with you and your child.
We understand that, in a child's psychology, orthodontic treatment is being done TO them rather than FOR them. As such, we'll take the time to talk to your child and explain procedures in a way that they can understand, which leads to a much more relaxed treatment experience.
We encourage questions from children, and we're patient in answering them so that your little one is less anxious and feels comfortable understanding what's happening in their mouth!
Know that our friendly clinicians are skilled in behaviour management techniques that help keep children calm and cooperative, so they leave our offices smiling and even excited to come back for the next check-up!
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