Orthodontic Treatment in Children

After the first orthodontic examination at the age of 7;

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1. The locations of prematurely lost milk teeth should be protected with fixed or removable space maintainers until the permanent tooth underneath erupts. This prevents the permanent tooth from remaining impacted or protruding towards the cheek or lip.

2. Each baby tooth has a fall sequence. When this order is disrupted, the eruption order of the permanent teeth below is also disrupted and this usually results in orthodontic problems. For this reason, even if there is no crowding, it is extremely useful to have children under passive orthodontic follow-up every 6 months.

3. Skeletal problems are detected at this age and the family is informed about the treatments (Ex: Protrusion of the lower jaw). 

Possible treatments for ages 7-12:

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1. Jaw stenosis can be easily corrected with screw expansion appliances.

2. Teeth in reverse bite are corrected with removable appliances as soon as they are seen.

3. The treatment of anterior open bite caused by habits such as long-term use of bottles and pacifiers and thumb sucking is done with habit-breaking appliances.

4. Treatment of skeletal problems can be started. Non-oral devices such as face mask, Headgear; The growth of the jaws is directed using functional devices such as bionators. 

After age 12 (after permanent teeth are completed);

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1. 'Fixed orthodontic treatment' is started at this age. Teeth are straightened with the help of brackets and wires attached to the teeth.

2. If the patient is a case of orthognathic surgery, growth is expected to be completed and treatment begins by placing braces at the age of 16 at the earliest.