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.
Who 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.
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.
Mohammad Faizal
29/04/2023
Great service! Thank you 😁
Mohanakrishna Tamilaras
29/04/2023
Staff were very kind and were informative in dental hygiene.
Peggy Wong
29/04/2023
Dr Mabel was such a gem to my 5 years old ! Highly recommended
Very kids friendly environment and the staff are Superb !
Derrick Wee
26/04/2023
Had my teeth whitening done with Dr Mark and I was very happy with the result! The whole procedure was smooth and he made me feel at ease. Dr Mark’s knowledge, skills and kindness is admirable. Friendly staff at Smilepoint Dental too!
Suraj Patil
26/04/2023
Setting up appointment is easy. They will send reminders. Checking in and out is easy and fast. Been seeing Dr Ismeeta for years, fantastic dentist.
Alvin Cheng
25/04/2023
Made the best decision to do my braces here with Smilepoint Dental! It took 3 years and the results turned out great! Dr Ng had always been friendly and patient throughout the entire process. Thank you!
Amanda
25/04/2023
Fabulous experience. Dr Jolene is very gentle and great with kids. Highly recommend
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