The 8 most frequently asked questions about orthodontics for children

La oOrthodontics is the treatment to correct the malposition of the teeth through the use of brackets or other types of systems, such as transparent aligners. The orthodontics in Barcelona It is one of the most common treatments in both children and adults.

As adults we are very clear when we need orthodontics. We see our teeth poorly placed and without space, and immediately we are aware of the unattractive effect that this causes on our smile and the difficulty at times to carry out proper hygiene. In children or even adolescents, more doubts are usually generated, since factors such as dental replacement (with baby teeth doubts arise about its necessity) and bone growth come into play.

In this post we solve the most frequent questions that our patients have in relation to the Children's orthodontics and the use of braces in children. However, if you have any other concerns or questions, contact us, we will solve it and we will give you all the information you need.

1. At what age is the first visit to the dentist recommended?

The Spanish Society of Orthodontics recommends a first visit at 6-7 years. As a general rule, at this age the incisors have already erupted and the first molars are emerging. The change from milk teeth to permanent teeth is a turning point in the child's future teeth. The ideal is to do a first check-up at this age to check that it is developing correctly, or if there is any problem of malposition, malocclusion or alterations in bone growth.

On the other hand, at 3-4 years of age, a first visit can be made to identify problems, especially if there are genetic background or bad habits during early childhood that may have caused them. For example, if the little one uses the pacifier excessively or does so beyond the recommended age, or has a tendency to suck his finger or breathe through his mouth (oral breathing), we should go to the dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation. These visits will also serve to assess whether you are practicing good oral hygiene and controlling sugar in your daily diet, in order to avoid the risk of developing dental caries.

In the event that everything is correct on the first visit, we still recommend doing an annual review, since the child is growing and it will be necessary to check that the missing teeth come out correctly.

2. At what age can we start child orthodontic treatment?

In general, orthodontic treatment begins when the permanent teeth have come out. The age varies according to the development of each child, but as a guideline it can be 11-12 years old. The reality is that the needs of each girl/boy are individual and growth alterations can make it necessary to start treatment at an early age, at 6-7 years old, for example in what is known as crossbite, or due to bone asymmetry .

It should be noted that orthodontics at an early age, if needed, is more effective than if we wait until adulthood. That is why prevention in these cases and an early diagnosis can avoid a more difficult and lengthy treatment in the future.

3. What types of orthodontics exist?

There are basically two types of children's orthodontics, which will depend on the age of the child and the problem to be treated.

La interceptive orthodontics, already mentioned, is usually used to prevent and treat problems related to the position of the maxillary bones, but it is not useful for any alteration or problem. As a general rule, it is removable orthodontic appliances, that is, remove and put.

They should be worn for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours a day and overnight, although it is important to note that the treatment will be faster and more effective the more hours a day it is worn.

Furthermore, the fixed orthodontics it is indicated when all the permanent teeth have erupted (except the wisdom teeth, which can erupt much later during adulthood). They are known as brackets, and the most requested are the aesthetic brackets made of ceramic materials. The downside is that they tend to be more expensive and tend to turn yellow over time.

4. Advantages of orthodontic treatment in children

There are many parents who wonder if it is worth putting orthodontics on their children, sometimes because it can be thought that it is a problem that can be fixed over time. However, the reality is the opposite, time in this case plays against it.

Tooth movements, as well as bone growth, are easier to achieve at an early age when structures are more malleable. In addition, the aesthetic constraints of wearing braces make it better tolerated in childhood-adolescence. The treatment will be shorter and less complex than in an adult with the same problem.

5. Disadvantages of orthodontic treatment in children

In itself, braces for children have no disadvantages, as long as they are prescribed by a professional.

The only thing we have to keep in mind is that some correct oral hygiene habits, since it is easy for food remains to accumulate in the brackets if they are fixed, and favor the appearance of cavities.

When the appliances are removable, whether they are aligners or to guide growth, correct compliance with time in the mouth is necessary. In other words, the patient has to collaborate, not lose the appliances and place them for the time indicated by the specialist dentist.

6. How long does a child orthodontic treatment last?

The duration of the treatment will depend on different factors, such as the age of the child, the type of problem, and even the discipline of the patient in the case of removable orthodontics.

What is certain is that the sooner treatment is started, the faster and it will be effective, as we have mentioned before, since the bones are still malleable and the position of the teeth is more easily corrected. Normally the treatment should last between 12 and 30 months.

7. How much do braces for children cost?

Fixed orthodontic treatments can range between €3.000 and €3.600, depending on the treatment time and whether they are aesthetic or metallic. Treatment with transparent aligners has a higher cost, between €4.000 and €4.800.

The great advantage is that they are treatments that are paid month by month, in each of the visits that are made.

8. What special care do children with orthodontics need?

It is extremely important the dental hygiene in a child who wears orthodontics, since the remains of food that accumulate in the brackets favor the accumulation of dental plaque and the appearance of cavities.

In the case of removable appliances, they have to brush their teeth before putting them on and when they take them off. You also have to pay attention to the cleaning the device itself.

Your dentist will advise you on whether it is advisable to use dental floss and/or complement hygiene with a mouthwash with fluoride. In addition, regular professional cleaning every 6 months is highly recommended for the duration of orthodontic treatment.

Send us your questions or call to make an appointment with our specialist in Orthodontics and Children's Dental Orthopedics, Dr. Alejandra Bachor.

Our services

Financing
customized

Parking and
free wifi

3-D glasses
stress

Technology
advanced

Card of
Loyalty

German
with companies

Do you want to make an appointment?

Call to 93 343 66 41, or fill in your information in the form and we will call you.

Leave this field blank

Responsible: Icercaib, SL Purpose: Respond to queries and manage appointments or other requests for information. Legitimation: Consent of the interested party. Rights: No data will be transferred to third parties, except legal obligation. You have the right to access, rectify and delete the data, as well as other rights, as explained in the additional information.

Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 620, attic 1º
08007 Barcelona
Phone: 933 43 66 41
Email: clinica@ahoa.es
BOOK APPOINTMENT