When Should Children and Young Patients Start Orthodontic Treatment? What Is the Right Timing?!

Timing and Methods for Children’s Orthodontic Treatment

Hello! Today, for parents who are 고민해 about their children’s orthodontic treatment, we’re going to look at the timing and methods of orthodontic treatment for children.

These days, children tend to have smaller faces and smaller jawbones, which often means there is not enough space for their teeth to come in. So when, and how, should orthodontic treatment begin? Through this post, let’s answer your questions about children’s orthodontic treatment.

When to Start: The Mixed Dentition Period of Permanent and Baby Teeth

Because a child’s teeth and jawbones are still growing, choosing the right timing with their growth pattern in mind is the most important thing.

Children’s orthodontic treatment often starts after all the permanent teeth have erupted. However, there are also cases where treatment begins during the period when permanent teeth and baby teeth are mixed.

The timing is determined by the growth status of the child’s jawbones and teeth.

At this stage, treatment can begin even if not all permanent teeth have erupted yet. This is necessary to guide jawbone growth in the proper direction. Therefore, when a child is in the process of losing baby teeth and getting permanent teeth, it is important to visit the dentist and receive regular checkups.

On the other hand, simple tooth alignment problems can often be treated after all permanent teeth have erupted.

If the timing is missed, the orthodontic treatment period may become longer, or in severe cases, retreatment may be needed. In particular, starting treatment during the elementary school years, when jaw growth is active, can be effective because the teeth and jawbones can be corrected at the same time.

Why Children’s Orthodontic Treatment Is Necessary

Children’s orthodontic treatment means more than simply making the teeth look straight.

Orthodontics has a major impact not only on tooth alignment but also on the growth and development of the jawbones.

These days, children often have smaller faces and jawbones, so there is not enough space for teeth to erupt properly. In such cases, orthodontic treatment helps the teeth settle into the correct position.

Also, orthodontic treatment plays a major role not only in appearance but also in function.

Proper tooth alignment positively affects speech, chewing, and oral health. Therefore, during a child’s growth, it is important to manage the health of the teeth and jawbones through orthodontic treatment.

Skeletal Problems and Early Orthodontic Treatment

One of the important factors in deciding when a child should begin orthodontic treatment is skeletal problems. If there is a problem with the growth of the child’s jawbones, it is better to begin treatment early. This helps guide jaw growth in the right direction and improves the child’s facial shape and tooth alignment.

Skeletal problems can be identified through a diagnosis by a dental specialist. Therefore, it is important to visit the dentist regularly and receive checkups during a child’s growth. This allows continuous monitoring of the development of the child’s teeth and jawbones, and if necessary, orthodontic treatment can begin at the appropriate time.

Changes in the Face and Jawbones

Modern children tend to have smaller faces and jawbones. This creates a lack of space for teeth to fit properly. These changes are one of the reasons orthodontic treatment may be needed. If teeth do not settle into the correct position, oral health problems can arise.

Changes in the face and jawbones can happen naturally during a child’s growth process. However, orthodontic treatment can help manage these changes and support the teeth in settling properly. Therefore, it is important to visit the dentist regularly during a child’s growth to check the condition of the teeth and jawbones.

Distinguishing Between Tooth Alignment Problems and Jawbone Problems

Tooth alignment problems and jawbone problems require different approaches and timing for orthodontic treatment.

Tooth alignment problems refer to crowded or crooked teeth, and in such cases, treatment can still be effective even if it begins at ages 12 to 14, after all permanent teeth have erupted. In these cases, tooth positions are adjusted using standard orthodontic appliances.

On the other hand, jawbone problems involve an imbalance in the size or position of the upper and lower jaws, and early orthodontic treatment should begin at ages 6 to 8 during the growth period. If jawbone problems are treated as though they were only simple tooth alignment issues, retreatment may be needed later, so an accurate diagnosis is essential.

In determining the timing of children’s orthodontic treatment, Amurdi Dental Clinic distinguishes whether the issue is tooth alignment or a jawbone problem through an accurate diagnosis and provides a customized treatment plan suited to each case.

For example, if the front teeth protrude significantly, a headgear appliance may be used to push the front teeth back. This device is mainly worn at night and helps suppress excessive upper jaw growth while moving the teeth backward.

Also, if a canine tooth does not erupt in the correct place and comes in as a crowded tooth, creating space early with a simple orthodontic appliance can help avoid more complex treatment later. When deciding on the timing of children’s orthodontic treatment, an individualized approach is important.

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

Children’s orthodontic treatment has several benefits.

First, when the teeth are aligned properly through orthodontic treatment, oral health improves. Proper tooth alignment helps prevent cavities and gum disease.

Second, orthodontic treatment helps improve a child’s pronunciation and chewing function. When the teeth are evenly aligned, speech becomes clearer and difficulty chewing food is reduced.

Third, orthodontic treatment can help boost a child’s confidence. When the teeth are aligned evenly, the smile becomes more attractive, which can have a positive effect on the child’s social interactions.

Children’s orthodontic treatment plays an important role in supporting oral health and guiding jawbone growth properly. It is important to check the condition of the teeth and jawbones through regular dental visits and begin orthodontic treatment at the right time. This can also help build the child’s confidence. Parents, please continue to show steady attention and care for your child’s dental health.