He General Council of Dentists points out that the use of orthodontics has multiple benefits for our health and quality of life. Many of these treatments can be started at a very young age, in fact, according to data from the Oral Health Survey in Spain 2020, 9.7% of 12-year-old children wear orthodontics. A figure that rises to 12.6% in the case of 15-year-old adolescents. To resolve doubts about what is the best age to have orthodontics, how long the treatments usually last or in which cases it is indicated, we chatted with Jesús Marcos, medical director of Caser Dental.
From what age can children’s orthodontics be placed?The appropriate age to treat malocclusions varies depending on the type of problem and its severity. Therefore, it is advisable to consult an orthodontist as soon as an abnormality is discovered. In any case, we recommend that, whether or not a problem is detected, children are taken for a review by the orthodontist at least at the age of six. There are malocclusions that can be tried to be corrected at an earlier age with neuro-occlusal rehabilitation, but the best is to go to the dentist at least once a year, so that any problem can be detected early.
In which cases is orthodontics indicated in children?Orthodontics in children is indicated when a malocclusion is detected that can be solved with interceptive treatments (earlier ages) or with corrective treatments (from approximately 10-12 years). Interceptive treatments are therefore oriented towards correcting any incipient alteration, given that if some type of measure is not taken, the malocclusion would worsen. Corrective treatment is carried out when the interceptive treatment has not been carried out, or it has not been sufficient due to the nature of the malocclusion, then it is necessary to carry out a corrective treatment, aimed at correcting a consolidated malocclusion.
How long do these treatments usually last?Interceptive treatments generally begin and end during the deciduous or mixed dentition. They do not rule out the possibility of a subsequent correction, due to the appearance of another problem or because it has not been sufficient due to the nature of the malocclusion. Corrective treatments have a variable duration, ranging from a year and a half to 3 years, but it depends on the complexity of the initial problem.
What are the most common problems or inconveniences when the child wears orthodontics?It depends on the type of orthodontics. When it is a removable orthodontics, the biggest inconvenience is the collaboration on the part of the child and the probability of losing the appliance. When it is a fixed orthodontics, the biggest drawbacks are abrasions and sores, emergencies because the arch is pricked or a bracket has fallen and the difficulty of performing a correct oral hygiene technique.
How does orthodontics work and how does it manage to fit each tooth into its corresponding place?Depending on the type of orthodontics, the mechanism of action may vary.
Functional orthodontics (functional appliances) modify the functionalism of the system on which they act. By changing the direction and intensity of the muscular forces, they also transform them and produce corrective dental or maxillary displacements. These appliances, by varying the function of the facial and masticatory muscles, provide a more favorable environment for the developing jaws, optimizing their growth potential.
Removable appliances, controlled pressures can be applied on the teeth that you want to move, through the action of active mechanical elements. These forces act directly by displacing the teeth and also help in the expansion of the jaws, without having anything in common with the forces created by the action of the muscles, which participate in the functions of chewing, swallowing, phonation and others.
Brackets: To achieve precise results, the devices require a very meticulous technique, through the precise placement of bands/tubes and cemented brackets on each and every one of the dental pieces, as well as a series of arches to achieve the displacements to which there are place, according to the prepared treatment plan. Fixed appliances have the capacity to individually move each and every one of the teeth in any direction in space, which is not the case with other appliances. But there are limitations to each of the moves.
What types of orthodontics (or brackets) can you choose?The orthodontist will indicate the best treatment for the problem to be corrected. Depending on the type of problem and age of the child, you can select between brackets, removable orthodontics, functional orthodontics or invisible orthodontics. In some situations different techniques can be combined.
How can I know if my child needs orthodontics?Preventive treatment should be started before malocclusion manifests. Parents should regularly take their children to the dentist so that he can identify the first symptoms and advise orthodontic treatment when deemed necessary. Regarding the duration of treatment in children, it will depend on the complexity of the problem diagnosed.
Can orthodontics affect children psychologically?Normally children adapt quite well to changes and are not usually psychologically affected by orthodontic treatment.
What recommendations should we take into account before requesting orthodontic treatment for a child.It is important to do a general review before starting orthodontic treatment to make sure that there are no cavities or other necessary previous treatments.
