Our comprehensive approach to kids orthodontics helps identify and address problems early, resulting in a simpler and less complex (if any) treatment when they are teens or young adults. We believe that orthodontics should not just be about straightening the teeth, but a more conscious approach to improve the overall appearance of the smile, the face and overall health.
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Why Start Young
We believe it is important to treat orthodontics as part of a bigger picture, which is why our dentists are trained to assess jaw growth and size well before the adult teeth all come through. Chronic mouth breathing and habits, such as thumb sucking, can influence how the jaws and teeth develop, often causing permanent changes and limitations in the shape and size of the jaws. This then leads to issues with teeth crowding as adult teeth start to come through. With interceptive orthodontics, our dentists can use a wide variety of treatments to guide your child’s teeth and jaw into the right place. The goal is to identify problems early, so they don’t become bigger and more complicated to fix later.
Treatments Focused on Creating More Space
Research has shown that the shape and size of the upper jaw and palate play a major role in affecting how well we can breathe through our noses. Difficulty with nasal breathing can have many health consequences, not just for the teeth. This is why we screen every patient for risk factors and believe in creating more space for teeth by expanding where possible, instead of constricting the teeth to a small jaw.
Everything Tailored to Your Child
Even though our dentists understand what is optimal for the growth and development of a child’s teeth and jaws, we are also mindful that early orthodontic treatment is not always practical and tolerable. A balance between the benefits and the risk of overloading our young patients is considered and advice is always tailored to each individual child.
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Why Choose Chomp Dental for Kids Interceptive Orthodontics
Narrow jaws associated with teeth crowding and breathing problems
A narrow top jaw may lead to teeth crowding, impaction of teeth and restricted nasal breathing.
Dental Crossbites
Commonly causes a functional shift of the jaw causing them to grow crooked.
Severe Overbites and Underbites
These problems have psychological consequences and can be corrected early.
Interceptive Orthodontic Treatments
The Typical Kids Interceptive Orthodontic Plan
Usually treatment starts around 7-9 years old and involves one or a few of the following treatments
Upper Jaw (Maxillary) Expanders
We use custom-designed expanders that are effective in widening narrow upper jaws. These can be either glued in or removable, depending on what suits your child’s needs. Typically this takes 6-9 months.
Partial Braces (also known as D-gainer or 2×4 treatment)
These are placed when there is severe crowding or space loss resulting from underdeveloped jaws or early removal of baby teeth. In these situations, erupting adult teeth may get stuck and impacted if left untreated. Braces are placed on the front 4 teeth and some of the back molars to straighten them and widen the jaws. This treatment takes around 9 months and may be completed at the same time as a jaw expander.
Lower Jaw Advancement
Where there is a severe overjet (or overbite as we know it), we may correct it early using an appliance that brings the lower jaw forward in line with the top jaw. This can be glued in or removable and usually takes 9-12 months.
Airway Assessment and Collaboration With Other Health Professionals
Sometimes we may need to team up with Ear Nose and Throat Specialists or myofunctional therapists to help us achieve the best results for your child’s health. Our specially trained dentists will compete a thorough assessment and refer accordingly if needed.
Space Maintainer
If a baby tooth is lost early and before it becomes loose naturally, the new adult tooth may still take years to grow out. In this time, the neighbouring teeth may tip in and take up the space. This is why it is important to consider a space maintainer appliance to hold and temporarily maintain the space until the adult tooth comes through.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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