Choosing a dental clinic is a choice about appearance
A child’s smile begins with a mother’s choice

Hello.
I am Oh Su-hwan, an orthodontic specialist certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare with 18 years of experience.
These days, you may be worried because your child’s teeth seem to be growing crooked.
Should we get orthodontic treatment or not, when should we start, what kind should we use...
It’s probably not an easy decision.

On top of that, if your child has become sensitive about appearance or other people’s gaze,
they may even tear up as soon as they hear they need an orthodontic appliance.
So, when is the best time to start orthodontic treatment?
What kind of appliance is suitable?
Today, for parents who are struggling with these questions,
I’ve put together a summary of the right timing for orthodontic treatment and a method that is less painful and less burdensome.
If you miss the right time for orthodontics,
you’ll spend at least 1 million won more
Invisalign First
It’s common to think, “Child orthodontics can be done sometime later,” and then miss the timing.
The timing of orthodontic treatment is extremely important.
In growing children, the jawbone is flexible and has a wide range of change,
so if treatment starts at the right time, you can achieve great results in a short period and at a lower cost.
In general, starting around the 3rd or 4th grade of elementary school is recommended as a common orthodontic starting point.

If orthodontic treatment begins at this time, space can be secured for the jaw and teeth to grow,
so the treatment effect is excellent and the treatment period tends to be relatively short.
If there is a significant jaw mismatch, such as an underbite or a recessed chin,
treatment to control jaw growth may be needed from ages 6 to 7.

If space is secured and jaw growth is guided with first-phase orthodontic treatment at this stage,
during the second phase of orthodontic treatment, that is, full-scale orthodontics,
a natural and attractive set of teeth can be created without unnecessary extractions or surgery.

However, if this timing is missed, orthodontic treatment becomes more complicated,
and the treatment period and cost can increase significantly.
That is why it is very important to begin orthodontic treatment at the right time.
If your child’s teeth are crooked or you sense a mismatch in jaw growth,
I hope you consult an orthodontic specialist accurately before it gets too late.
The biggest concern when children start orthodontics is...
What is the biggest concern when children start orthodontics?
Without question, it is that it looks bad and that it might hurt.
“I’m worried my friends will tease me. I don’t want orthodontics.”
“Mom, the wire is poking me and it hurts... I don’t want to go to the dentist.”
Traditional metal braces are painful, uncomfortable, and highly visible.
Even adults often feel a lot of discomfort at the beginning of orthodontic treatment, and children feel it even more.

This is because wires or brackets can poke the inside of the mouth or cause friction, leading to discomfort.
In addition, children often feel a lot of pressure just from wearing brackets.
Children are more sensitive to the attention of those around them than you might think.
Having wires attached to their teeth,
and worrying that friends might tease them, is completely understandable.
The method that reduces this anxiety and burden is the clear, wire-free “Invisalign First.”
Let me explain in more detail below.
Without wire poking,
is Invisalign First comfortable?
So, what kind of orthodontic appliance is Invisalign First?
Invisalign First is a clear aligner designed for children aged 6 to 10.


Source: Invisalign website https://www.invisalign.com/
It is custom-made without wires or brackets, so there is less discomfort,
and because it is not very noticeable, it allows the child to keep the fact that they are receiving orthodontic treatment less visible.
It is also a removable appliance, so it can be managed hygienically.
That makes brushing and flossing easier for children as well.

You may also be wondering about its orthodontic effectiveness.
This appliance is designed to treat a variety of orthodontic issues,
from complex tooth alignment problems to narrow dental arch issues.
It can be highly effective in helping the teeth of growing children develop and in securing space.
However, the important point is that orthodontic treatment cannot succeed without the child’s cooperation.
Therefore, before starting treatment, it is important to have a sufficient discussion with the child
and confirm their motivation and readiness for treatment.

Rather than forcing treatment on a child who is not willing,
it is best to begin when the child is self-motivated.
A child’s smile now depends on a mother’s choice
Orthodontic treatment is not just about solving an outward appearance issue;
it is an important decision that can affect a child’s confidence, health, and even future appearance.
Therefore, when choosing an orthodontic appliance, it is important to choose a method that minimizes the child’s discomfort
and maximizes treatment effectiveness.
Through enough consultation before treatment, help your child become motivated about treatment,
and choose the treatment method that fits that state.
So far, this has been Smile D Dental Clinic,
dentist Oh Won-jang, who makes people smile.
