Adult patients can easily identify when they need orthodontics. They notice that their teeth are crowded or widely spaced, that their bite is “set” or “protruding” and they are immediately aware of the unaesthetic effect this has on their smile, as well as the difficulty they have in achieving correct hygiene. In children, and even adolescents, there are usually more doubts, since factors such as mixed dentition (replacement of “milk” teeth and permanent teeth) and bone growth are involved.

In this article we hope to answer the most frequently asked questions that our patients' parents ask us about orthodontics in children. If you have any other doubts, you can write to us and we will give you all the information you need.

1. At what age is the first visit with an orthodontic specialist recommended?

The American Academy of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends the first visit to the orthodontist between the ages of 6 and 7, since it is at this time that the mixed dentition or tooth replacement process begins, and it is at this point that orthodontists can make an early detection in case the child presents any alteration in the normal process.

The idea of this first appointment is precisely to check that the teeth are changing in the correct sequence and are coming out in the right place, that they have space to come out, that there are no habits that produce problems in the teeth or in the development of the bone, that there is no problem with the bite and that there is no alteration in the patient's bone development.

In the event that everything is correct in the first visit, it is recommended to make a revision every 6 months, since the child is in a growing age and we must control that the teeth that are still to come out, do it correctly.

• Removable appliances (such as the famous Hawleys, palates or veneers) are used when the patient has some kind of minor problem in their teeth.
• Orthopedic appliances, which we use when we want to vary or modify the child's growth pattern, specifically when there is a skeletal problem.
• The brackets, which we use to correct a specific dental problem with the understanding that when the established objective is met, they will be removed in order to reposition them later and solve the rest of the problems presented by the patient.
• Invisalign First or Teen, these are invisible aligners designed specifically for this population. With them we can treat almost all problems related to mixed dentition in a comfortable way for the patient and obtaining great results.

4. Advantages of orthodontic treatment in children.

Dental movements, as well as the manipulation of bone growth, are easier to achieve at an early age when the structures are more malleable and therefore better results are obtained. It is important to understand that performing this type of treatment in infants makes the process more physiological and faster than in an adult with the same problem.

Adult patients can easily identify when they need orthodontics. They notice that their teeth are crowded or widely spaced, that their bite is “set” or “protruding” and they are immediately aware of the unaesthetic effect this has on their smile, as well as the difficulty they have in achieving correct hygiene. In children, and even adolescents, there are usually more doubts, since factors such as mixed dentition (replacement between the “milk” teeth and the permanent teeth) and bone growth are involved.

5. Disadvantages of orthodontic treatment in children.

In itself, orthodontics in children has no disadvantages, as long as they are prescribed by a trained orthodontist who is clear about the goals of early treatment.

As parents, the only thing to keep in mind is that habits must be followed. rigorous dental hygiene practices at home, as it is easy for food debris to accumulate in the appliances and promote the development of cavities. This is why we recommend that our patients visit their dentist or pediatric dentist every 4-6 months for a routine check-up and cleaning. In addition, it is important to help the child comply with the specific indications of their treatment so that the established objectives can be achieved.

6. How long does a child orthodontic treatment last?

The duration of treatment will depend on different factors, such as the age of the child, the type of problem, and even the discipline of the patient. What is certain is that the sooner the treatment is started, the faster and more effective it will be. It should normally last between 10 and 30 months.