Kid’s Braces
Early detection and management of dental problems in children can help
prevent minor issues from developing into more serious ones later in life.
What is Growth modulation?
Growth modulation is a dental procedure that shapes and adjusts a child’s jaw and facial bones using dental appliances. It helps correct issues like underbites and overbites by guiding natural growth. Early treatment can potentially prevent the need for braces or surgery later. This non-invasive approach benefits children by improving facial aesthetics and dental alignment.
Why is Early Dental Intervention Important?
Baby teeth are important for more than just chewing food. They also help guide permanent teeth into the correct positions. However, sometimes problems can arise, such as early crowding, trauma, or permanent teeth that do not emerge. Early detection and intervention of these issues can help prevent small problems from becoming larger ones later in life.
Early dental care is important for more than just making sure your child has a beautiful smile. It can also help fix any problems with the way their face or jaw is growing. We know how important it is to ensure that your child grows up with a balanced facial structure, and we are here to help.
If you are concerned about your child’s teeth, it is important to see a dentist for an evaluation. The dentist will be able to determine if your child needs any treatment and can discuss the different options available.
Book a Consultation
Schedule an appointment with our experienced dentist to discuss braces treatment options and fees.
Consultation Fee
$45
Book NowWho can benefit from growth modulation?
Growth modulation is a recommended procedure for many children in Singapore, especially those who show signs of developing significant underbites or overbites. It is particularly helpful for children with a family history of severe underbites, which can cause problems with chewing and appearance. By identifying these tendencies early, a pediatric dentist can guide and control the growth of the child’s face. This allows them to have a beautiful smile without issues as they grow older.
If malocclusion in children are left untreated, they can lead to various issues
Such as: Speech problems, Tooth decay, Gum disease, Mouth breathing
Indeed, orthodontic treatment is commonly used to address dental malocclusion. However, an alternative approach involves utilizing growth modulation techniques to influence the development of the jaw and the eruption of teeth. By intervening early, growth modulation can potentially reduce the extent and duration of orthodontic treatment. It helps identify and correct bite problems in children, offering the opportunity for more efficient and effective management of malocclusion.
However, it is important to note that while growth modulation cannot completely prevent malocclusion, it has the potential to decrease its severity and simplify treatment. For instance, a condition that may require corrective surgery in the future can be addressed with a less invasive and gentle approach through growth modulation techniques.
When is the most preferable time for Growth modulation?
The optimal time to consider growth modulation is before a child reaches the age of 9, typically just before entering puberty. During this stage, it becomes possible to assess the development of the jawbones in relation to the child’s teeth. The most effective period for guiding jaw growth is during puberty when there is a significant growth spurt in the bones. For girls, the recommended age range for jaw growth guidance is between 8 and 15, while for boys, it is between 9 and 16. It is advisable to schedule an assessment within these time frames to make the most of the benefits provided by growth modulation techniques.
Causes & Symptoms
Early dental intervention can help to address:
- A long jaw with an underbite
- Upper front teeth that stick out a lot with a short jaw
- A crooked face with a crooked bite
- A long face
- An open bite where the upper and lower front teeth cannot meet
- Narrow or small dental arches
- Upward and forward head posture
- Chronic mouth breathing due to blocked airways
It is important to address these problems because research shows that an imbalanced jaw and face structure can increase the chances of speech and eating difficulties. It can also possibly result in self-esteem issues in the long run.
Cost of Braces for Kids
Smilepoint Dental Centre’s Kids Growth Modulation Programmes
Kids Growth Modulation Braces Programme (8 – 10 Years Old)
- Age Group: 8 – 10 years old
- Programme Duration: 18 months
- Designed For: Orthopaedic treatment to improve jaw positions and skeletal profile.
- Purpose: For younger children aged 8 to 10, this 18-month programme aims to enhance jaw positions and the overall skeletal profile through targeted orthopaedic treatment. Early intervention helps to guide proper jaw development, setting a strong foundation for future dental health and alignment.
Kids Growth Modulation Braces Programme (10 – 14 Years Old)
- Age Group: 10 – 14 years old
- Programme Duration: 5 years
- Designed For: Children with misaligned bites or profiles requiring orthopaedic correction.
- Purpose: This comprehensive 5-year programme focuses on orthopaedic correction for children aged 10 to 14. It’s ideal for addressing issues related to misaligned bites or facial profiles, guiding the proper development of jaw structures and ensuring a healthier, well-aligned smile as your child grows.
Comprehensive
Metal Appliances Treatment
Metal Appliances
$1900-$2500
(w/o GST)
Student Braces
$3950
(w/o GST)
Comprehensive
Invisible Appliances Treatment
Invisible Appliances (Phase 1)
$3500
(w/o GST)
Invisible Appliances (Phase 2)
$2950
(w/o GST)
Results of Early Orthodontic Treatment
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Reducing the treatment time for fixed braces
What is the best age to start kids braces?
The optimal age to start orthodontic screening is between 7 and 8 years old. This is because by this age, most of a child’s permanent teeth have erupted, allowing the orthodontist to evaluate the front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles. Early screening can help to identify any potential problems and allow for early intervention, which can improve the chances of achieving a beautiful smile.
Here are some of the benefits of early orthodontic screening:
- Early intervention can help to prevent or correct minor problems before they become more serious.
- Early treatment can be less expensive than later treatment.
- Early treatment can be less disruptive to a child’s life.
- Early treatment can help to improve a child’s self-esteem.
Is growth modulation painful for children?
Growth modulation treatment for children is not painful when performed by a trained dentist.
To ensure successful treatment, it is crucial for patients to comply with the recommended guidelines.
Growth modulation treatment offers several advantages for children, including:
- Improved facial symmetry and alignment
- Straighter teeth and a harmonized jaw and smile
- Correction of malocclusion such as overbite, under bite, and cross bite
- Reduced need for invasive treatments later in life
- Enhanced self-confidence.
Aftercare for Kid’s Braces
It’s never easy to encourage your kids to take care of their teeth, but when they have braces on, it may be downright impossible.
However, proper dental hygiene is much more crucial when braces are involved. You should take care of your teeth and gums while wearing braces so that the appliances function properly, don’t break, and so that your teeth stay healthy and cavity-free.
Reminding your child that clean braces can help them work more quickly and effectively is a great way to keep them motivated while wearing them. Here are some tips for you and your kid to follow as they take care of their teeth with braces:
- Brush after each meal.
- Floss every day.
- Avoid sticky candy.
- Avoid crunchy and hard food.
- Wear a mouthguard during sports.
- Have regular visits to the dentist.
- Work with your orthodontist.
By following these tips, you can help your child have a successful and enjoyable orthodontic experience.
Insurance & Subsidies
CHAS
We are a CHAS-approved dental clinic. We accept valid CHAS, Merdeka and Pioneer Generation cards.
Baby Bonus Scheme CDA
Smilepoint is a Baby Bonus (CDA) approved institution. You can use the funds from the CDA for dental treatments.
Latest Updates
We provide useful information about oral health, dental procedures, and how to keep a healthy smile. Learn about oral health and get the smile you’ve always wanted!
Does travel or expat insurance cover dental emergencies in Singapore?
Quick answer Most travel insurance covers only emergency pain relief, usually capped per trip. Expat [...]
Invisalign vs braces: which is cheaper in Singapore?
Braces are the cheaper option at Smilepoint Dental. Standard metal braces cost $4,550, and the student package (available at off-peak [...]
How much does a night guard / mouthguard for teeth grinding cost?
A custom-made mouthguard for teeth grinding at Smilepoint Dental costs $350 for a soft material guard or [...]
Gum How much does gum disease (periodontal) treatment cost in Singapore? Disease Treatment Cost Singapore
A periodontist consultation at Smilepoint Dental costs $95. Gum infection therapy, the treatment used for more advanced [...]
26
Jun
Jun
Chip Bee Gardens Dentist
Chip Bee Gardens is a charming, low-rise neighbourhood across from Holland Village, originally built in [...]
02
Apr
Apr
Dentist in Holland Village
Holland Village is a vibrant lifestyle enclave in District 10, famous for its bohemian charm [...]
30
Mar
Mar