Pediatric Orthodontics
Following the dental structure of children is very important for the health of the permanent dentition to be formed in the future. The temporary nature of milk teeth often causes them to be neglected and pulled out early. It is very important for the milk teeth to remain in the mouth until their natural replacement period is completed, both in terms of the development of the jaw bones and in terms of being the basis for a proper dental closure. With the eruption of the first milk teeth in children (around 3 years of age), tooth brushing should be started by the mother and caries should be prevented by making protective applications on the milk teeth. Orthodontic examination in children should be around the age of 6-7 when the first permanent dentition begins. With the examination to be made at this age, both closing problems that may occur in the teeth and skeletal disorders of the jaws can be diagnosed. Orthodontic problems can also occur as a result of tonsils, adenoids, mouth breathing or atypical (infancy) swallowing. The main purpose of pediatric orthodontics is to eliminate the factor that causes the orthodontic problem. Sometimes, orthodontic disorders can be stopped without wearing any braces or beadings, thanks to simple measures that are applied very easily. Orthodontic and orthopedic problems can improve at a certain level if appropriate precautions are taken in children and the cause is eliminated.
What are the Methods Used in Treatment?
There are many methods and appliances for the correction of orthodontic and orthopedic problems in children. At the beginning of the orthodontic treatment principles is the elimination of the cause of the problem. For example, the first method to be applied in the treatment of a child who has a gap in his front teeth due to mouth breathing is to find the cause of mouth breathing (for this purpose, help can be obtained from ENT specialists) and to prevent it. Elimination of the cause will halt the severity and progression of the deficit. Simultaneously, clarity is corrected by applying palates and language exercises to control language habits. Similarly, there are specific treatment approaches for each problem.
Generally, two types of appliances are used in orthodontic treatment. These are extraoral devices and intraoral devices. Extraoral devices (such as chinrests and napkins) are generally used to correct skeletal problems or to support devices used in the mouth. Intraoral devices are also of 2 types: removable appliances (palate holders) and fixed devices (braces, brackets). While palate braces are generally used in narrow jaws or as placeholders, brackets are used in more detailed treatments such as closing gaps and adjusting the axial tilt of the teeth.
In some cases where orthodontic problems are accompanied by orthopedic (skeletal) problems, extraoral devices such as neck braces and headgear can also be used. These devices can direct the growing skeleton in the right direction and are very successful in preventing surgical interventions that may occur in adulthood. These devices are usually worn around 18 hours a day and have both orthodontic and orthopedic effects.
Another method used in pediatric orthodontics is fixed appliances (braces, brackets). Brackets are adhered to the teeth with a special adhesive and do not come off during the treatment. The advantage of these devices is faster tooth movement. The orthodontist will decide what kind of treatment mechanics will be used in your child.
What Should Be Considered During Treatment?
The orthodontic treatment process is more easily tolerated by children than by older patients. Children undergoing treatment can study, play games, and engage in sports and art activities. Although there is a feeling of pain and squeezing in the first few days of the treatment process, over time, the teeth and oral tissues get used to them and there is an adaptation as if the braces were not there at all. The improvement in the teeth not only provides aesthetic and functional benefits, but also helps children to eliminate the psychological problems they feel due to the appearance of their teeth.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
The most important point to be considered in cases where fixed devices are used is to provide an appropriate oral care. Brackets have recesses and protrusions that make tooth cleaning difficult. Under normal conditions, the time required for proper brushing is around 2 minutes, while patients wearing braces should brush their teeth for 3-4 minutes. Consumption of hard foods during the treatment may cause the wires to break and deteriorate. In order to prevent this, especially the seeds of the fruits should be removed and hard foods should be consumed by slicing. The support of parents is very important for children to easily adapt to orthodontic treatment. Inculcating the habit of brushing teeth in children is the first thing to do. In addition, the follow-up of the fitting of the palate at the desired time should also be followed by the parents.
Treatments applied in children usually take effect with growth.