ORTHODONTICS FOR CHILDREN

It is often possible to predict whether your child will need braces once all of the adult teeth have erupted. This can be assessed from the age of 7. It is also the recommendation of the American Association of Orthodontists, of which Dr Normand Bach is a member.

In certain patients who are yet to gain their full adult dentition (before the age of 12-13), it may be possible to offer a phase one treatment.

This phase of orthodontic appliances aims to:

Guide growth and improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaws, before the child has stopped growing so as to reduce the chance of surgery as an adult

Reduce the risk of fracturing incisors on falling
Improve the child’s appearance and self-esteem
Improve diction and eliminate certain bad habits (thumb sucking, tongue position etc.)

In certain cases, phase one treatments may eliminate the need for braces on the adult dentition, reduce the length or complexity of treatment, or eliminate the need to extract permanent teeth.

In addition, phase one treatments such as palate expansion in children may reduce sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea. When carrying out this kind of treatment, we always work closely with a sleep specialist such as an ENT doctor or a pneumologist.

DOCTOR, WILL MY CHILD HAVE CROOKED TEETH?

Furthermore, most children do not need any treatment until permanent dentition has appeared. Regular fixed orthodontic treatment in adolescence would be recommended in such cases.

Your dentist will tell you whether or not your child would benefit from a phase one treatment. You can also make an appointment for a consultation with orthodontist Dr Normand Bach. He will be able to answer any questions you have and advise what treatment will be appropriate for your child.

Another very popular treatment for teenagers is Invisalign. It’s an option that’s nearly invisible, easy to clean and maintain because it can be removed when eating or brushing your teeth.