The 3 stages of orthodontics for children

Stage 1:  Early interception (Ages 3 - 7)

At this stage we are concerned about the normal growth and development of the child’s jaws and facial structure. We assess the symmetry of the jaws, future growth, breathing and airway problems, spacing of the teeth and oral habits which may, over a period of time, result in abnormal dentofacial development.
 
Some common interceptive treatments that may be done at this stage include:

• Assessment of an airway and breathing problem by an Ear Nose & Throat Specialist which may also involve a sleep study to investigate sleep apnoea.  Reopening a blocked airway will not only allow proper growth development of the dentofacial structures but also improve the general health of the child,
• Correction of orthopaedic imbalances with removable or fixed appliances,
• Modification of bad oral habits effecting normal growth and development, and
• Maintain dental space if teeth are lost early.

Treatment initiated at this early stage is very successful at correcting growth and development problems and normally reduces the need for future orthodontic or orthopaedic treatment.

STAGE 2:  Mixed dentition interception (Ages 8-10)

During this next stage of development when your child has a mixture of deciduous and permanent teeth the primary concern is the occlusion or how the upper and lower jaws and teeth match up both presently and how they will match with future growth. The other major concern is the available space for all the developing teeth.

At Vision Dental if an examination and analysis of your child’s dental and facial development shows up any of these concerns some of the common procedures that may be recommended at this stage include:

• Development of the dental arches to create space for crowded teeth or to correct cross bites using either fixed or removable appliances,
• Fixed or removable orthopaedic appliances can be used to modify the growth of the jaws so that they will match up correctly in the future, and
• Guidance of eruption of permanent teeth with fixed or removable appliances.

Interceptive treatment at this stage will reduce the need for future orthodontic treatment and enhance any orthodontic correction that is required at a later stage.  In most cases it will eliminate the need for extractions to correct crowding.

STAGE 3:  Final correction and rehabilitation (Ages 11 & over)

In this third stage of development all the deciduous teeth have been lost. We are concerned about how the smile looks, including having a pleasing and balanced facial profile. Of equal importance is how the teeth and jaws fit and work or function together. This includes the proper functioning of the jaw joints (TMJ’s) to avoid problems such as headaches, neck and shoulder pain and arthritis when they are older.

This stage of treatment often involves:

• Conventional orthodontics to straighten the teeth and place them in the correct occlusion (bite). This includes ensuring that the teeth support the jaws in the correct alignment for healthy TM joint function, and
• Positioning teeth for improved aesthetics and so that they are in harmony with the facial profile at maturity.

At the completion of this stage of treatment the teeth should be set up for optimum aesthetics and function when the child fully matures.