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Orthodontic treatment plays a crucial role in maintaining your child's oral health. Proper alignment of the teeth improves hygiene, enhances eating and speaking abilities
Orthodontic treatment plays a crucial role in maintaining your child's oral health. Proper alignment of the teeth improves hygiene, enhances eating and speaking abilities, and, as a bonus, contributes to a beautiful smile, symbolizing healthy teeth and boosting self-confidence.
Misalignment of teeth and/or jaws is one of the most common dental issues worldwide. Many adults and children opt for orthodontic treatments to preserve their dental health and improve facial aesthetics and smiles.
Orthodontic treatments are generally recommended at relatively young ages, during childhood and early adolescence. This is due to the numerous advantages associated with treatment during this period. So, if you are parents of children (or simply interested in the topic), we have gathered essential information about teeth alignment for children.
Orthodontics is a specialized field in dentistry that deals with cases where the teeth and jaws are not correctly positioned. Orthodontists are professionals who diagnose, prevent, and treat conditions such as crowded teeth, improper teeth alignment, and more.
Interestingly, the pursuit of straight teeth is not a modern concept. Evidence suggests that humans have been attempting to address orthodontic issues for over 3,000 years! Since then, the field of orthodontics has advanced significantly, along with the techniques used by orthodontists to achieve the desired results.
Although various techniques exist for teeth alignment, they share a common principle: applying constant and gentle pressure to the teeth and jaws to move them into the desired position within the oral cavity.
Behind the scenes, several factors are considered during treatment, such as the precise angles of each tooth, the health of the gums and teeth, overall facial structure, palate structure, and more. It is essential to remember that dental structure varies from person to person, necessitating a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Due to the complexity of the process, it is vital to seek orthodontic treatment from a qualified orthodontist or orthodontic specialist who has undergone comprehensive training in the field and successfully passed the required examinations.
Orthodontic treatment can correct issues such as crooked or crowded teeth, improper tooth alignment, and enhance the appearance of your smile.
It is worth noting that some cases may be relatively complex in terms of teeth and jaw positioning and oral structure. In such instances, orthodontic treatment alone may not suffice for a complete correction, and more advanced interventions, including surgical options, may be recommended. Nevertheless, in most cases, teeth alignment will be a significant part of case management, necessitating orthodontic evaluation by a qualified orthodontist or orthodontic specialist.
The goal of teeth alignment goes far beyond a beautiful smile; orthodontic issues can make it challenging to maintain proper hygiene, which is why orthodontic treatment can help reduce the risk of cavities.
Additionally, correct positioning of the teeth and jaws is crucial for proper occlusion, both to prevent discomfort during eating and to avoid tooth wear due to improper bite.
There are several relatively common orthodontic issues that, if observed in your child, it is recommended to seek evaluation by an orthodontist. These issues include:
Refers to the alignment of the teeth when the jaws are closed. A proper occlusion occurs when the upper teeth are slightly forward in relation to the lower teeth during closure. There are various types of malocclusion, including:
In cases where there is not enough space in the dental arch, the teeth may become crowded, causing them to overlap or twist. Crowded teeth make it more challenging to properly clean all tooth surfaces, increasing the risk of cavities.
Conversely, some individuals may have large gaps between one or more teeth. This can also pose hygiene challenges, as food particles tend to get stuck in the gaps between teeth.
In addition to the issues mentioned above, there are other situations where it is advisable to consider an orthodontic evaluation, including:
The primary treatment for teeth alignment in children relies on orthodontic appliances, often referred to as "braces" or "orthodontic brackets." These appliances are affixed to each tooth, connected by a metal wire that applies the necessary pressure to move the teeth into their desired positions. In many cases, small elastic bands, known as "ligatures," are used along with braces to assist in tooth movement.
Another treatment option available today involves the use of clear, removable aligners that are customized to fit the patient's dental structure. Each patient receives a series of these clear aligners, which gradually shift the teeth into the desired position. It's important to note that aligner treatment may not be suitable for all cases and may not be appropriate for young children, so consulting with an orthodontist is crucial to determine the right approach for you and your child.
Apart from traditional braces and clear aligners, other orthodontic treatments utilize functional appliances to address issues related to the position of the teeth and jaws. These devices are typically used for children who are still growing, aiming to influence the development of the jaw structure.
After completing the orthodontic alignment process, it is essential to follow up with retention treatment to preserve the results over time. Retainers, often composed of a thin metal wire bonded to the inner side of the teeth, help maintain the teeth in their desired positions. Additionally, it is common for patients to wear removable retainers, similar in appearance to clear aligners, during sleep to further ensure the stability of their orthodontic results.
The cost of orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners, can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the complexity of the treatment, the use of advanced technologies, and the expertise of the orthodontist. Since orthodontic treatment involves specialized equipment and extensive training, it is generally not covered by standard health insurance plans. Private orthodontic treatment in Israel typically ranges from 12,000 to 15,000 shekels on average for traditional braces. However, orthodontic patients insured with Leumit Gold may benefit from significantly reduced treatment costs.
While it is often recommended to start orthodontic treatment after most of the baby teeth have fallen out, usually between the ages of 9 to 14, it is advisable to have an orthodontic evaluation as early as age 7 or even earlier if there are signs of potential orthodontic issues. Early evaluations help identify existing or potential problems and allow orthodontists to guide the timing and approach to treatment. Treatment initiation may be postponed in some cases, but early evaluations can be valuable in determining the appropriate course of action.
Initiating orthodontic treatment at a younger age allows for better control over the growth and development of the mouth and jaw. Functional appliances, which can gently guide the growth of the jaw and teeth, are often more effective when started at a young age. Additionally, early intervention can help prevent or minimize more complex orthodontic issues in the future, potentially reducing the need for extensive and prolonged treatment as adults.
Addressing orthodontic problems early can positively impact a child's self-esteem and confidence. Children and adolescents who undergo orthodontic treatment may experience improved self-image, better social interactions, and a greater sense of well-being.
In summary, orthodontic issues related to the alignment of teeth and jaws are common and can affect oral health, eating, and self-confidence. Early evaluation and, if necessary, treatment by an orthodontist can help maximize the benefits of orthodontic care and promote a healthy smile throughout life. Parents are encouraged to seek orthodontic evaluations for their children as early as age 7 to identify potential issues and plan for appropriate treatment.
