The right time for orthodontic treatment for children

Posted by Doctor of Dental - Jaw - Facial - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Orthodontics for children is different from that of adults, because children have the development of the maxillofacial arch and the doctor must take this into account. In addition, children also have many other factors that the doctor will consider such as the level of cooperation, keeping oral hygiene, the child's psychology towards orthodontic treatment. Thus, orthodontic treatment for children and adolescents is not at all simple.

Many people think that orthodontic treatment for children should be done as soon as possible. This is incorrect, for the following reasons:
If treated too early in the period when the child has not yet developed maxillofacial bone, the child's maxillofacial skeleton will be too small, not enough room to arrange teeth. The reasonable stage is the period when the child is developing maxillofacial bone, the doctor predicts the child's development to make an appropriate plan. If treatment is too early when the child has not replaced all the teeth, it will take a long time because it has to wait for the child's teeth to grow before they can move the teeth. The exception is when the doctor thinks that the tooth is in danger of erupting, or the patient needs to intervene on the teeth that have already erupted, such as incisors.

The child's jawbone has not yet developed much, so parents often feel that the child's teeth are "too big" for the skeleton. Later, when the child's skeleton develops, parents will see that the child's teeth "fit" for the child, and self-review as "better". Therefore, although parents want orthodontic treatment, doctors recommend waiting a little longer before returning for further evaluation. Treatment too early leads to a long period of time that can make children “frustrated” and do not want to continue orthodontic treatment. Extended time also affects lives, increasing costs for parents and doctors. Therefore, orthodontic treatment for children is the most important "right time". Timing can vary greatly from child to child, as it depends on each child's development. For example, in one child the skeleton may develop at 12 years of age, but in another it may be up to 15 years of age.

Modern orthodontic techniques today can treat adults, with very good results. Therefore, the concept of treating children "as soon as possible" is no longer correct. If the parent is uncertain about the treatment decision, or does not feel it is "really necessary", or the child does not want orthodontic treatment, delaying treatment for several years may be a good option: the child will be a good fit. Parents are more cooperative, parents are more financially prepared, parents and doctors are better able to perceive and evaluate their child's maxillofacial development, etc. After all, if a child does not receive orthodontic treatment, then Later, when they are adults, children can still have orthodontic treatment!

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