When choosing a children’s orthodontist near your home, you need to know what special needs kids have during their orthodontic treatment. Kids and teens have different problems and chances than adults when it comes to orthodontic care. We at Dentistry on the Pines focus on giving gentle, effective care that takes into account the developmental aspects of growing smiles and makes memories that last a lifetime.
As kids grow and change, their orthodontic needs change a lot. The mixed dentition phase, when both primary and permanent teeth are present, presents unique opportunities for interceptive treatment that can prevent bigger problems from happening. During this critical time, a children’s orthodontist can help the jaw grow properly and make sure there’s enough room for permanent teeth to come in where they should.
Early orthodontic assessment has many benefits for kids. Around age 7 is the best time for this first assessment, that’s when most kids’ permanent incisors and first molars have come in. This timing allows doctors to see how each child is growing, find any problems that may be present and decide if early intervention will help each child’s development.
Interceptive therapy, also known as Phase One orthodontics, deals with problems that occur throughout the years as a child is growing and developing. Some common treatments are palatal expansion to fix narrow upper jaws, space maintenance to keep teeth from drifting when primary teeth are lost too soon, and habit appliances to stop thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that may interfere with healthy growth.
To treat kids, you need special communication skills and endless patience. Kids worry about getting braces, especially if they’ve heard horror stories from friends or siblings. Children’s orthodontists that are good at their job explain things in a way that’s appropriate for the child’s age, show them how to do things on models and use positive reinforcement to make them feel safe and willing to work with them.
In the past few years there have been more treatment options for kids. Traditional metal braces are still very popular and work great for young patients. This is especially true now because current brackets are thinner and more comfortable than older ones. Many kids love picking out colourful elastics that let them customize their braces and show off their creativity.Ceramic braces are a more discreet option for those who care about their looks and want treatment that’s not so obvious. These brackets are the same colour as teeth so they blend in well and work just as well as regular metal braces. Ceramic braces however require more care to prevent them from getting stained so they might be better for older kids and teens who are responsible.
For some conditions and age groups, removable appliances work well. Clear aligners can work for older teens who show maturity and responsibility. Functional appliances on the other hand help the jaw grow during its most critical growth stages. The success of removable appliances depends a lot on how well the patient follows the rules and how well the parents monitor them.
Teaching kids about oral hygiene becomes very important when they get braces. Fixed appliances make it easier for food and plaque to build up in more areas which increases the risk of cavities and gum problems. We provide kids and parents with all the information they need and help them keep their teeth and gums healthy during treatment.
Timing is everything for good results with children’s orthodontics. Some conditions are better treated early on while others are best treated after all the permanent teeth have come in. Orthodontists who have worked with kids for a long time can figure out the best time to start treatment for each case.
Young athletes getting orthodontic treatment need to consider some special things when they play sports. To keep teeth and braces safe, mouthguards are a must. We talk about the right safety gear and any changes that may need to be made during different seasons.
Some orthodontic appliances may make it hard to play musical instruments. When braces are first put on or changed, wind instrument players often have to get used to them. We work with young musicians and their families to make sure their musical activities aren’t too affected while they get the treatment they need.
When children’s orthodontic appliances are involved in an emergency they need to be dealt with right away. Young patients may feel uncomfortable and anxious if their brackets are broken, their bands are loose or their wires are sticking out. Having a local clinician who knows what kids need and can respond quickly to emergencies helps keep treatment going and keeps patients comfortable.
We also offer Root Canal for kids with infected teeth and Dental Implants for older teens when they need to replace a tooth. Vaughan residents deserve children’s orthodontic care that meets the needs of growing kids. We want orthodontic appointments to be fun and help kids develop good habits for their teeth and gums for life.