Orthodontic Treatment for Kids

Orthodontic arch
Dr Geoff Hall providing kids orthodontic treatment to child in Melbourne clinic MP Orthodontics

Orthodontic Treatment for Kids

Interceptive Orthodontics

Our team of orthodontists focuses on long-term dental health for children. We give parents and caregivers the information they need to make smart choices about their children's braces and overall health.

Early intervention and interceptive orthodontic treatment can commence between the ages of 7 and 10 years. At this age, children's baby teeth are replaced with adult teeth. Identifying potential issues can reduce the risk of complex orthodontic problems later in life. Regular dental check-ups can help you know when to see an orthodontist for braces or other treatments. These check-ups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can assess your teeth and recommend if you need orthodontic treatment.

We want to straighten your child's smile and keep their teeth healthy with our approach that focuses on prevention. We customize orthodontic treatments for your child to make sure they are comfortable and effective. We will work closely with your regular dentist and can provide advice on the following:

  • Correcting bite function and comfort
  • Improving teeth alignment
  • Preventing early wear of tooth enamel
  • Improving self confidence
  • Improving overall general health
Teenagers with Braces

What is interceptive orthodontics?

For young patients, we aim to use the most conservative orthodontic treatments possible. Children's orthodontic treatment, also known as two-phase or interceptive treatment, begins when a child still has baby teeth.

 

Benefits from early interceptive orthodontic treatment such as braces for kids include:

In most cases, we can achieve outstanding results without the need for two-phase orthodontic treatment. The benefits of early orthodontic treatment can include:

 

  • Positively influence jaw growth
  • Make space for your child’s erupting teeth
  • Expand the width of dental arches
  • Reduce or eliminate the need for jaw surgery
  • Correct harmful oral habits, such as thumb sucking and mouth breathing
  • Fix alignment of teeth and bad bites
  • Enhancing the stability of teeth at the completion of treatment.

Kids Orthodontics Treatment

We appreciate that each child is unique and that is why no two orthodontic treatment options are the same. Each child receives a tailored orthodontic treatment according to their needs. Braces can fix protruding front teeth, create space for new teeth, and reduce the need to remove permanent teeth. You can also improve the relationship between teeth and jaws.

Starting treatment at the right time is important for achieving these benefits. By correcting teeth alignment early on, braces can prevent overcrowding and other dental issues. This can ultimately lead to a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smile.

Early intervention also significantly reduces the risk of dental complications in adolescence and adulthood. Common interceptive orthodontic treatments for kids includes:

  • Removable plates
  • Arch expansion devices
  • Functional appliances
  • Appliances that help stop unhealthy habits
  • Partial braces on selected teeth

Our skilled orthodontists help children of all ages and support both you and your child through the whole process. We believe in treating children early to make future treatment easier and more enjoyable as a teenagers and adults.

Dr Martin Poon providing orthodontic treatment at the Melbourne based clinic MP Orthodontics

Orthodontic Treatment for Kids FAQs

If you and your children maintain regular visits to your dentist, your dentist may make the initial suggestion to visit an orthodontist for an early assessment. Even if you’re not seeing a dentist regularly, you can still make an appointment for your child to see an orthodontist for an early assessment. You can see our orthodontists without a referral.

We want your child to have a quick and accurate assessment. Even if they haven't seen a dentist yet, they can still come in. We aim to give simple recommendations to help your child's dental health. Our goal is to achieve the best outcome, whether our orthodontists recommend treatment or not.

If you think your child may need early orthodontic treatment, you are welcome to speak to our team to make an appointment. During the consultation, your orthodontist will always explain the pros and cons of early orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist may recommend orthodontic treatment if the positives outweigh the negatives. Your orthodontist will explain the process from start to finish.

The cost of orthodontic treatment for children varies according to the complexity and duration of treatment. At your child's first appointment, our team will give you a detailed orthodontic treatment plan that includes the total cost.

You will also receive information about the various payment options we offer. These include no deposit and interest-free finance options to ensure your child's treatment is affordable.

Phase 1 treatment is designed for children aged 7 to 10 years. The treatment focuses on reducing the risk of complex orthodontic issues. During this stage, treatment may include the use of orthodontic devices such as palatal expanders, plates and space maintainers. Phase 1 treatment typically does not involve the use of a full set of braces.

Phase 2 treatment is designed for children aged 12 to 16 years old. We begin treating your child when they have all their adult teeth. During this stage, orthodontic treatments include traditional braces, clear aligners and lingual braces.

Yes, Invisalign has a clear retainer treatment designed specifically for growing smiles. Treatment with clear aligners can begin from ages 6-10 and provides a gentle alternative to plates and partial braces.

The treatment process is the same for both children and adults. During treatment, your child wears a series of clear aligners that the orthodontist changes every couple of weeks. The changes help adjust the position of teeth into the desired alignment.

A plate is a removable orthodontic appliance made from a combination of plastic (acrylic), wires, screws and springs. Orthodontists use orthodontic plates to hold teeth in position or gradually move teeth into more appropriate positions.

Palate expanders are orthodontic devices used to widen a narrow upper jaw. Fitting the roof of the mouth, gentle pressure is applied to the maxillary molars (upper molars). Over time, the pressure expands the upper jaw and can be used to make room for erupting teeth and improve the alignment of upper and lower teeth.

Yes, your child will be able to continue with sporting and recreational activities. We recommend discussing the specific sports with your orthodontist as mouth guards may be recommended for children with full or partial braces.

Children with removable orthodontics will be able to remove their appliances as needed. Talk to your orthodontist about wearing your braces regularly to get the best results.

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