The 8 most frequently asked questions about orthodontics for children

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

As adults, it is very clear to us when we need orthodontics. We see our teeth badly positioned and without space, and we are immediately aware of the unaesthetic effect this has on our smile and the difficulty on occasions in carrying out correct hygiene. In children or even adolescents, more doubts tend to arise, since factors such as dental replacement (with milk teeth, doubts arise as to their necessity) and bone growth come into play.

In this post we resolve the most frequently asked questions that our patients have regarding children’s orthodontics and the use of braces in children. However, if you have any other doubts or questions, contact us, we will solve them and give you all the information you need.

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

The Spanish Orthodontic Society recommends a first visit at 6-7 years of age. As a general rule, at this age the incisors have already erupted and the first molars are coming in. The change from baby teeth to permanent teeth is a turning point in the child’s future dentition. Ideally, a first checkup should be made at this age to verify that the teeth are developing correctly, or if there is a 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 is a genetic history or bad habits during early childhood that may have caused them. For example, if the child uses the pacifier excessively or does so beyond the recommended age, or has a tendency to suck his thumb or breathe through his mouth (oral breathing), we should visit the dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation. These visits will also serve to evaluate whether good oral hygiene and sugar control in the daily diet are being carried out, in order to avoid the risk of developing dental caries.

In the event that everything is correct at the first visit, we recommend an annual check-up, since the child is still growing and it will be necessary to check that the missing teeth erupt correctly.

At what age can we start orthodontic treatment for children?

In general, orthodontic treatment begins when the permanent teeth have erupted. The age varies according to the development of each child, but as a guideline it can be at 11-12 years of age. The reality is that the needs of each child are individual and growth disorders may require treatment to begin at an early age, at 6-7 years, for example in what is known as crossbite, or 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 longer treatment in the future.

3. What types of orthodontics are there?

There are basically two types of orthodontics for children, depending on the age of the child and the problem to be treated.

Interceptive orthodontics, already mentioned, is usually used to prevent and treat problems related to the position of the maxillary bones, but it is not used for any alteration or problem. As a general rule, these are removable orthodontic appliances, i.e., removable.

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

On the other hand, fixed orthodontics is indicated when all the permanent teeth have erupted (except for wisdom teeth, which can erupt much later in adulthood). They are known as brackets, and the most popular are aesthetic brackets made of ceramic materials. The disadvantage is that they tend to be more expensive and tend to become yellowish in color 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 they may think that it is a problem that will eventually fix itself. However, the reality is the opposite, time in this case plays against it.

Dental movements, as well as bone growth, are easier to achieve at an early age when the structures are more malleable. In addition, the aesthetic constraints of wearing braces make it easier to tolerate in childhood and 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 must bear in mind is that correct oral hygiene habits must be followed, since it is easy for food debris 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, it is necessary to comply with the correct time in the mouth. In other words, the patient must cooperate, 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 treatment will depend on different factors, such as the child’s age, the type of problem, and even the patient’s discipline in the case of removable orthodontics.

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

7. How much do braces for children cost?

Fixed orthodontic treatments can cost between €3,000 and €3,600, depending on the treatment time and whether they are esthetic or metallic. Treatment with clear 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 braces need?

Dental hygiene is extremely important for a child who wears braces, since food debris that accumulates in the brackets favors the accumulation of dental plaque and the appearance of cavities.

In the case of removable appliances, teeth should be brushed before inserting and when they are removed. Attention should also be paid to the cleanliness of the appliance itself.

Your dentist will advise you on whether it is advisable to use dental floss and/or supplement your hygiene with a fluoride mouthwash. 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 dental orthopedics for children, Dr. Alejandra Bachor.