5 facts about children and orthodontics
1. The optimal age for treatment
Early treatment of the primary (baby) teeth is only advisable if it is clear that starting therapy at a later stage would be significantly more complex and time-consuming. Often, it is the general dentist who, during a routine check-up, recommends orthodontic treatment and refers the young patient to an orthodontist.
The younger the child, the more effective and faster the treatment tends to be. Only during the growth phase is it possible to correct jaw misalignments without surgery.
Experts generally agree that an initial visit to an orthodontic practice is advisable between the ages of 4 and 7, provided no abnormalities are detected earlier. From this point on, regular check-ups are recommended.
If there is no severe case, age-appropriate orthodontic treatment usually begins once most of the permanent molars and canines have erupted. Children are typically between 9 and 12 years old at this stage.
2. When orthodontic treatment is advisable
Dental misalignments are not only an aesthetic concern, but can also cause medical problems. For example, they can negatively affect a child’s speech development if the tongue does not have enough space in the mouth and constantly presses against the teeth while chewing or speaking. Possible causes include jaw deformities, incorrect tooth positioning, or lisping.
Other reasons why orthodontic treatment may be necessary include:
- A deep bite, where the upper teeth excessively cover the lower teeth
- A protruding lower jaw
- Crowding of the teeth
- A narrow upper jaw compared to the lower jaw (crossbite)
- One or more missing teeth
- An open bite
Since the beginning of the 21st century, dental misalignments have been classified into the following severity levels:
- KIG 1: Minor misalignment of 1–3 mm. Correction is carried out for aesthetic reasons only.
- KIG 2: Mild misalignment between 1–6 mm. Treatment is medically advisable.
- KIG 3: Pronounced misalignment between 2–5 mm. Medically necessary treatment.
- KIG 4: Severe misalignment between 3–9 mm. Treatment required.
- KIG 5: Extremely severe misalignment over 9 mm. Urgent treatment required.
Statutory health insurance only covers orthodontic treatment costs for minors when the treatment is medically necessary. From the age of 18, patients are generally required to cover the costs themselves.
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3. Options for tooth correction
A variety of orthodontic appliances are available to correct misalignments of the teeth and jaws.
Overview of common options
- Space maintainers: Used after premature loss of baby teeth to preserve space for the permanent teeth that follow.
- Retention appliances: Prescribed after completion of orthodontic correction to maintain the achieved tooth position.
- Removable braces: Mainly used at the beginning of treatment when many baby teeth are still present.
- Fixed braces: The classic form of braces, where brackets are bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth and connected with archwires.
- Invisible braces: With the lingual technique, brackets and wires are attached to the back of the teeth, or transparent, removable aligners are used. These options are often chosen for aesthetic reasons. Invisalign, in particular, is very popular among teenagers.
4. Duration of wearing braces
The length of orthodontic treatment varies from patient to patient and depends on several factors, such as the severity of the misalignment and the level of patient cooperation. Poor compliance with wearing removable appliances or inadequate oral hygiene can significantly prolong treatment time. On average, orthodontic correction takes around three years.
5. The importance of cooperation by young patients
Proper cleaning and care of braces are essential for maintaining good oral health and ensuring successful treatment. If oral hygiene is neglected, the duration of therapy may increase – for example, if the braces need to be temporarily removed to allow professional plaque removal.
Tips for proper oral care
- Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water several times a day to remove food particles trapped in the braces.
- Brush teeth regularly and thoroughly.
- Clean removable appliances separately and regularly.
- Use interdental brushes for hard-to-reach areas.
- Clean particularly carefully around and between the brackets.
Dr. med. dent. Barbara Scheiner
Dr. med. dent. Barbara Scheiner, Fachzahnärztin für Kieferorthopädie (CH) hat ihre Promotion im Jahr 2013 erfolgreich in Zürich absolviert. Sie hat sich damit ihren langjährigen Traum erfüllt. Durch die universitäre Fachzahnarztausbildung ebenfalls in Zürich spezialisierte sie sich als Kieferorthopädin und ist seit 2017 nach erfolgreich bestandener Prüfung als “Fachzahnärztin für Kieferorthopädie Schweiz” zertifiziert.
Seit dem Jahr 2018 ist sie Inhaberin der Praxis We Love Smiles Kieferorthopädie Zürich AG. Ihr Wissen wendet sie in ihrer Schweizer Praxis erfolgreich und mit großer Hingabe an. Ihr Fachgebiet sind Zahnstellungskorrekturen bei Kindern und Erwachsenen.
Kundenzufriedenheit und Professionalität stehen dabei immer an erster Stelle. Sie geht dabei äußerst behutsam und schonend vor, sodass sich auch die kleinsten Patienten wohl bei ihr fühlen.