When and why should your child have their first orthodontic check? Here we speak with DR MAY EIDE of Skye Dental, about the four key orthodontic treatments your child might need including interceptive orthodontics, Invisalign First, palatal expansion and sleep apnoea treatment.
#1 Interceptive orthodontics
According to Dr Eide, Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is carried out in children aged from seven to ten years. “Leaving orthodontic treatment to 11 years or older can be detrimental to their dental or skeletal development if certain problems have been left untreated when younger.” The main goal is to address issues of the teeth and/ or bite before they become more severe. “The patient may still require a second phase of orthodontic treatment once they have all of their adult teeth, but early treatment should make this phase shorter and simpler.”
Dr Eide says interceptive orthodontic treatments are ideal for:
- creating more space for permanent teeth to erupt and avoiding extractions;
- correcting bite problems to help prevent further hard or soft tissue problems like TMJ pain or gum recession;
- treating skeletal problems to reduce the need for future jaw surgery;
- preventing traumatic injuries to protrusive teeth; and
- increasing self-confidence in kids with misaligned teeth.
“Not all children will require early orthodontic treatment, but it’s always beneficial to have an orthodontic assessment at the age of seven, as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists.”
#2 Invisalign First
Invisalign uses clear, food-grade plastic aligners to gradually straighten teeth. “Invisalign First allows younger children to undergo treatment as the aligners can accommodate new teeth as they emerge,” explains Dr Eide. It offers a more comfortable experience without braces or wires and reduces emergency visits. “Kids can remove them to enjoy meals and easily brush, making it simple to keep teeth clean.”
#3 Palatal expansion
“The bones in young children are softer and more malleable. The upper jaw is made up of two pieces that do not fuse together until the mid-teenage years.” Dr Eide explains that palatal expansion changes the shape of a narrow upper jaw. It’s useful for creating space for permanent teeth; correcting crossbites of the back teeth to prevent shifting of the jaw to the side; and opening the airway and allowing the tongue to lie in its proper position up against the palate.
“For minor expansion, Invisalign First aligners may suffice, while larger changes may require a fixed or Invisalign palatal expander.”
#4 Sleep apnoea
This is a sleep disorder where your child’s breathing is partially or completely blocked. “When children sleep, they should be as quiet as possible,” says Dr Eide. “Symptoms of sleep apnoea include snoring, restless sleep, mouthbreathing, pauses in breathing and bed-wetting.” Children suffering from lack of sleep tend to demonstrate behavioural and attention problems and may be hyperactive rather than sleepy in the daytime.
Sleep is extremely important for normal brain and physical development of young children. “Orthodontic treatment may help widen dental arches with expanders or bring the lower jaw forward with appliances. Both can improve sleep apnoea.” Dr Eide can also assess your child for the presence of tongue-ties, which can also contribute to sleep apnoea symptoms.
Dr Eide is a UK-trained dentist with advanced specialty training in orthodontics. She has over 15 years’ experience in a diverse range of fixed and removable orthodontic appliances for children and adults. Dr Eide says she believes in proactive individualised care and promotes early orthodontic treatment in children who would benefit from it.
Skye Dental
38 Club Street
skyedental.sg
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This article first appeared in the December 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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