The Benefits of Orthodontics for Children

As soon as you notice any concern about your child’s teeth, such as overcrowding or difficulty biting, it is advisable to book them an orthodontic or dental appointment.  A dental professional can examine the issue and determine the essential needs for your child to be referred for assessment by an orthodontist.  If they do, then it is important to attend your orthodontic appointment, so the issue does not deteriorate, and/or treatment outcome is compromised.

 

Possible Signs of Concern

If you spot any of the following symptoms in your child’s teeth, please book them an appointment to be assessed by a dental professional:

• Protruded front teeth
• Overcrowded teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Losing baby teeth too late or too early
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Thumb or finger or tongue sucking for children aged 3 years or over
• Biting the roof of the mouth or cheek
• Mouth breathing
• Jaws and face not in proportion
• Asymmetrical face and jaws
• Jaw which shifts or makes sounds
• Minor speech problems

 

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is usually less complex if the issue/problem is identified early.  Straight teeth could lead to easier to maintain dental cleanliness, therefore it can help improve oral hygiene and prevent the development of gum disease and dental cavities.

In addition, early treatment can result in the following benefits for children:

• Improved speech
• Improved chewing ability
• Correcting harmful oral habits
• Corrected and guided jaw growth
• Position of adult teeth corrected
• Make room for overcrowded teeth
• Feeling more confident in themselves
• Regulate width of their lower and upper arches
• Reduced tooth wear from no more teeth grinding
• Reduce the risk of needing tooth extractions in the future
• Creating a more favourable face, lips and teeth arrangement

As well as creating a more favourable dental appearance/look to boost self-esteem, early orthodontic treatment can reduce your child’s risk of requiring extensive treatment in later life.

 

Metal Braces for Children

Most often, when your child requires treatment from an orthodontist, it will be for teeth straightening. With state of the art technology, there are a range of teeth straightening treatments to choose from for children.

Metal braces are the traditional and most common style of brace. The design consists of tiny brackets which are fixed to the teeth. Each bracket is then linked with a thin metal archwire which holds the corrective treatment together.

Many children like to make their metal braces more fun by choosing coloured modules. The modules are tiny rubber bands which help to keep the brace archwire in place.

 

Book an Orthodontic Consultation Appointment for Your Children

Mary Lo is a highly experienced consultant and specialist orthodontist, she is available for private consultations and treatments at 44 Wimpole Street.  With a wide range of aesthetic orthodontic treatments available, get in touch with Mary Lo Orthodontist today on 020 7129 7878 or info@marylo.co.uk

---

Also in Our Blog