Children’s orthodontics, what is it?

Pediatric orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention and treatment of dental and bite problems in children. It is important to note that early detection of any dental problems in children can prevent serious problems in the future and that orthodontic treatments can be much more effective in children than in adults.

The most common problems in childhood are dental malocclusion, which refers to misalignment of the teeth and jaw and can lead to problems with chewing, breathing, speech, aesthetics and other oral health problems. These problems can be caused by genetics, sucking habits such as prolonged pacifier use or thumb sucking, mouth breathing or lack of space in the mouth.

Orthodontic treatments for children are different from those for adults, as their teeth and bones are still developing and are more malleable. In some cases, the orthodontist may suggest early intervention in childhood to correct the malocclusion, while in other cases, it is better to wait until the child is a little older before starting treatment.

Among the most common orthodontic treatments for children are fixed orthodontic appliances, such as braces, which are used to correct misalignment of the teeth and jaw. Braces are specially designed for children’s mouths and can be made of different materials, from metal to clear.

There are also other orthodontic treatments that can be applied in childhood, such as palatal expanders, which are used to widen the palate and correct crossbite, or removable appliances, such as clear aligners, which are used to correct teeth and jaw alignment problems.

It is important to note that orthodontics for children has not only aesthetic benefits, but also oral health benefits. Correct alignment of the teeth and jaw allows for better chewing and digestion of food, prevents the accumulation of bacterial plaque and prevents oral diseases such as caries and periodontal disease.

In summary, orthodontics for children is a very important treatment to prevent and correct dental and bite problems in children. If your child has any dental problems, it is important to consult an orthodontist to receive proper treatment and avoid complications in the future.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry dedicated to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental malpositions and irregularities in the mandible and jawbone. This specialty is responsible for correcting anomalies in the position of the teeth and the bony structures of the mouth in order to improve masticatory function, facial aesthetics and oral health.

Orthodontics can treat a wide variety of dental problems, such as crowded teeth, crooked teeth, excessive interdental spaces, bite problems, protruding jaws, among others. For this, the orthodontist uses different techniques and appliances, such as brackets, clear aligners, arches, elastics, palatal expanders, among others.

One of the most common orthodontic treatments are brackets, which are small pieces of metal or ceramic that are placed on each tooth and connected to an archwire. The brackets exert constant pressure on the teeth, forcing them to move gradually until they reach the correct position. The brackets are periodically adjusted by the orthodontist to keep the teeth moving in the proper direction.

Another orthodontic treatment option is clear aligners, also known as Invisalign. The aligners are clear plastic sleeves that are placed over the teeth and are changed every two weeks to adjust the position of the teeth. These appliances are removable, which facilitates oral hygiene and allows greater comfort for the patient.

In addition to improving dental and facial aesthetics, orthodontics also has important benefits for oral health. Properly aligned teeth and a proper bite are essential for the correct chewing of food and to avoid digestion problems. Also, correcting dental malpositions helps prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar, which reduces the risk of tooth cavity, periodontal disease and other dental problems.

In short, orthodontics is a very important dental specialty that is responsible for improving the function, aesthetics and health of the mouth and teeth. If you have any dental problem, do not hesitate to consult with our orthodontist for guidance on the most appropriate treatment for you.