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An orthodontist is a type of dentist who uses braces and other tools to straighten people’s teeth and correct their jawline.
Why should you opt for an orthodontist for kids? If your child’s teeth and jaw aren’t working together properly, you may need a child orthodontist to address dental or bite issues early on. What happens if you leave it untreated? Untreated issues can lead to severe consequences later, requiring thousands of dollars and significant time to correct. In this discussion, we’ll walk through and explain why orthodontics for kids is necessary.
When Should You See a Child Orthodontist?
While there’s no specific age to see a pediatric orthodontist, it’s advised to take your child for an evaluation by the age of 7, as this is when their permanent teeth are going to emerge. So, early spotting of any issue can be a tremendous help. This doesn’t necessarily mean your kid will get braces right away, but the orthodontist can identify any existing or potential problems and determine the best time to start the treatment.
Note: If your child is younger than 7 and you notice a bite or dental issue, don’t wait until they turn 7. Regardless of age, you need to see an orthodontist once you see early signs of misalignment.
Read More: Does CDCP Cover Braces?
Signs Your Child May Need an Orthodontist for Kids
Early or late loss of baby teeth: While some variation is normal, losing baby teeth too early or too late is a clear sign that your child may face misalignment issues early on. An orthodontist for kids is an expert who can recognize and identify such variations.
Difficulty chewing or biting: Any discomfort or pain when chewing indicates orthodontic problems that need to be addressed.
Mouth breathing: Many orthodontic issues can develop as a result of mouth breathing. A child orthodontist can address and correct these issues early on, helping you and your child avoid complicated treatments down the road.
Jaws shifting or clicking: A bite problem may cause the lower jaw to shift, leading to jaw pain and other dental consequences. Early intervention, using braces or other orthodontic tools, can address the problem and help you avoid complicated treatments, like surgery, in the future.
Cheek biting: In a normal bite, the cheeks are held away from the lower chewing surface by the outer cusps of the upper teeth. If your kid is constantly biting their cheeks, it may be a sign that their upper and lower teeth aren’t aligning properly when chewing.
Read More: Orthodontics for Teens
Facial imbalance: If the teeth and jaw aren’t perfectly aligned, it can affect the appearance of the chin, lips, and other facial features. A misaligned jaw can create facial imbalance, impacting the overall appearance. Orthodontics for kids can come up with creative solutions to align the jaw and prevent imperfections that could influence your child’s future, both mentally and physically.
Orthodontics for Kids—Available Options
Braces: Braces are orthodontic tools used for aligning the teeth. Together with wires, they’re affixed to teeth, gradually shifting teeth into the ideal positions.
Clear aligners: Clear, thin, plastic-like trays, such as Invisalign, are custom-made, removable aligners designed to move teeth into the perfect positions. The patient’s commitment to the treatment is the key to success.
Retainers: After completing orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may ask you to wear retainers to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Overall, there are two types of retainers: fix and removable. Which one is the best for you? Your orthodontist is the only one who can determine which option is ideal for your own specific condition.
Archwires: Archwires fit into the slots of braces and help move the teeth into the aligned positions.
Read More: Kid Dental Clinic
Elastics: Elastics are small rubber bands that apply additional force to the teeth, helping them move more easily into their proper positions, something that braces alone can't achieve.
Mouthguards: A mouthguard is an essential orthodontic tool for athletes of all ages, particularly children. It protects the teeth and gums from trauma during sporting activities.
Orthodontic Surgery: Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a corrective jaw surgery that aligns the jaw skeleton, helping to correct issues related to speaking, chewing, and biting.
Please be notified that York Orthodontics offers a Free mouthguard for kids aged 7-12 years.
Difference between Orthodontist vs Dentist
Wondering orthodontist vs dentist? An orthodontist specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and treating misaligned teeth and jaws, focusing on improving bite and overall dental alignment. They often use braces, retainers, and other devices to correct issues like overbites, underbites, and crooked teeth.
On the other hand, a dentist provides general dental care, such as cleanings, fillings, and tooth extractions. While both professionals are trained in oral health, orthodontists undergo additional training beyond dental school to specialize in alignment and jaw issues.
FAQs
Are braces free in Canada for kids?
Yes, there are options like Healthy Smile Ontario or Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which offer free or low-cost braces and dental care for eligible children from low-income families in Canada.
What can an orthodontist do for a 7-year-old?
Besides addressing potential issues related to their jaws and teeth, a pediatric orthodontist helps correct poor oral habits that can lead to future complications. Habits like thumb sucking can cause bite problems, and stopping them early can prevent long-term consequences. Early orthodontic intervention is key to ensuring adult teeth grow into their proper positions.
Can a 7-year-old get Invisalign?
To qualify for Invisalign, a child must have all their adult teeth fully emerged. In general, Invisalign isn’t recommended for young children because it requires a high level of commitment to treatment, which can be challenging for a child at that age.