Parents and guardians who wish for their children to grow up healthy. Did you know that there are appropriate times and stages for children's orthodontic treatment? In this article, we will introduce children's orthodontic treatment, which can be broadly divided into two stages.

Orthodontics for Kids│Ages 5 to 10 (before all adult teeth have grown in)

During the first stage, treatment will focus on "building a foundation for adult teeth to grow in properly."

It is generally said that the best time to start orthodontic treatment is before all the adult teeth (permanent teeth) have grown in. This is because if treatment is started after all the adult teeth (permanent teeth) have grown in, it will take time to create space to move the teeth, and in some cases, teeth may have to be extracted. When children's teeth are growing in, the bones and the joints between the bones are still soft, making this the best time to adjust the shape of the jaw. By starting orthodontic treatment at this stage, it is possible to smoothly create a foundation for the adult teeth to grow in properly, and to make thorough preparations for the second stage of full treatment.

*By completing the first stage, you may not need the second stage of orthodontic treatment, or you may be able to get by with just partial orthodontic treatment. In rare cases, it may be better to wait until all adult teeth have grown in and growth has stopped, or it may be better to undergo surgical treatment. Please ask your dentist for details.

Teen orthodontics│Ages 10 to 15 (when all adult teeth have grown in)

During the second stage, treatment will focus on "adjusting the position of the teeth."

After all adult teeth (permanent teeth) have grown in, full-scale orthodontic treatment begins. At this time, the jawbone is also growing at the same time as the adult teeth (permanent teeth), so by utilizing this growth force, orthodontic treatment can be carried out quickly in terms of both the alignment of the teeth and the jawbone. When adult teeth (permanent teeth) have just grown in, there are almost no scars from treatment for cavities or periodontal disease, and there are fewer silver fillings and other fillings, so it is easier to use orthodontic devices compared to adults. Orthodontic treatment not only corrects the alignment of teeth and bite and restores the function of the mouth, but also promotes improvement of physical health. It also makes you look better and feel more confident in your smile.

*Depending on the condition of your mouth, surgical treatment may be preferable. Please ask your dentist for details.

Summary

We hope you understand that orthodontic treatment is more effective and smoother if it is started before all adult teeth have grown in. Chewing food well encourages jaw development so that adult teeth can grow in the correct place, which ultimately leads to maintaining good tooth alignment and bite. Your teeth will remain with you for the rest of your life, so we recommend correcting your teeth alignment as early as possible.