Have you been considering whether or not your child should seek orthodontic care? Orthodontic treatment can be a big decision to make. At Yang Orthodontics, we want to give you all the information you need in order to make the right decision for your little ones.
What caused my child’s orthodonic problems?
Most orthodontics problems are hereditary. Some develop over time by thumb or finger sucking, mouth breathing, tooth decay, abnormal swallowing, poor oral health, accidents and poor diet. Sometimes a hereditary orthodontic condition is complicated by an acquired condition or a poor oral habit, such as thumb-sucking. Luckily, orthodontists can usually correct most conditions successfully.
What are the benefits of an orthodontic treatment for my child?
An orthodontic treatment’s purpose is to create a healthy and functional “bite.” This is a combination of tooth alignment along with the position of the jaw. Proper tooth alignment and jaw growth provides a variety of benefits including:
- Great oral health
- Proper chewing pattern
- Clear speech
- General physical health
- Less prone to decay, gum disease and injury
- Beautiful smile
Will my child’s teeth straighten out naturally as they grow?
Unfortunately, that is very unlikely to happen. The space available for permanent teeth does not increase as your child grows. Leaving teeth to grow out with present orthodontic issues can later lead to a more difficult treatment process, tooth decay, gum disease, and a multitude of other problems.
What’s the right age to bring my child in for orthodontic treatment?
There is no “right” age. However, the AAO (American Association of Orthodontics) recommends bringing in your child for an initial orthodontic evaluation no later than the age of 7. Once you bring your child in for an evaluation, Dr. Yang is able to determine the right treatment – if one is even necessary.
Available treatment options.
There are many appliances used to help correct the bite of children. While braces are the most common appliance, especially for kids, there are many others that are listed below:
Braces
Primarily used to correct misaligned bites and fix crooked or crowded teeth. Yang Orthodontics offers a variety of braces options to choose from:
Temporary anchorage devices (TAD’s)
TAD’s are mini screws temporarily embedded into the bone of the mouth and are used in combination with braces. The primary purpose of TAD’s is to provide a fixed point from which to apply force to move teeth in a more predictable manner.
Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE)
A RPE is an orthodontic appliance used for Phase 1 Early Interceptive Treatment that widens the palate (roof of the mouth). Its purpose is to ensure that the bottom and upper teeth will fit together better.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a clear aligner that serves the same purpose as braces. This appliance is used to correct a misaligned bite and create a straighter smile.
If you have any questions or want to bring your child in to see if they need an orthodontic treatment, schedule a free consultation here. You can also call or text us at 215-757-0864.