Early Intervention Orthodontics For Children:

The First Step In The Right Direction

Early intervention orthodontics focuses on correcting dental and skeletal issues in children before they become more severe. This proactive approach addresses the root causes of problems of misaligned teeth, improper jaw growth, and poor oral habits at an early stage, thus reducing the need for more invasive treatments later on. By guiding the development of teeth and jaws, early intervention can improve overall dental health, function, and aesthetics.

Through what is called Phase 1 orthodontics, performed when your child is growing, we aim to avoid extractions for your child, while also simplifying any further Phase 2 orthodontics that may be necessary when your child has their full set of adult teeth.

Invisalign Palatal Expander

Invisalign Palatal Expander is a new product from Align Tech, USA. Its a series of 3D-printed palatal expanders, worn over the course of a few months, that actually encourages new growth and widening of the upper jaw in children aged 7-10 with minimal discomfort and hygiene problems, eliminating many of the compliance and comfort issues other types of phase 1 orthodontic devices may have.

Myofunctional Appliance (Myobrace)

Myobrace is a preventive pre-orthodontic treatment designed to correct poor oral habits, such as incorrect tongue posture and mouth breathing. It helps guide the proper development of the teeth and jaws, promoting better alignment and reducing the need for braces later on. It involves using a series of removable intra-oral appliances that children wear for one to two hours each day and overnight while sleeping. Myobrace works by training the tongue to rest correctly, encouraging nasal breathing, and correcting swallowing patterns. This helps align the teeth naturally without the need for braces, promoting healthier jaw development and reducing the need for orthodontic treatment in the future.

Invisalign First

Invisalign First is a clear aligner system specifically designed for children between the ages of 6-10 years old with developing teeth and jaws. It addresses a variety of orthodontic issues such as crowding, spacing, and alignment. These aligners are custom-made to fit the child's teeth and gradually move them into the desired position. Invisalign First is comfortable, removable, and nearly invisible, making it an appealing option for children who may be self-conscious about wearing traditional braces. The aligners need to be worn for 20-22 hours a day and are replaced every one to two weeks as the teeth shift.

Removable Expansion Appliances

Expansion appliances are orthodontic devices used to widen the upper jaw (maxilla) to create more space for teeth alignment and improve the bite. Common types include the Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE), which is attached to the upper molars and adjusted daily to gradually widen the jaw. This treatment is most effective in younger children whose jaws are still growing. There are removable and fixed expansion appliance types to suit the needs of children accordingly. By expanding the upper jaw, these appliances can correct crossbites, reduce overcrowding, and enhance the overall balance of the facial structure.

3D-printed Fixed Expanders

Fixed expanders allow widening of the upper and lower jaws, without worrying about whether or not the child will be compliant with keeping the appliance on. With the advancement of 3D-printing, we can now fabricated fixed expanders without messy, uncomfortable impressions, and the fixed expanders are also custom printed and moulded for greater comfort for the child.

Functional Appliances (Clark Twin Block)

The Clark Twin Block is a type of functional appliance used to correct jaw discrepancies, particularly underbites. It consists of two removable plates that fit over the upper and lower teeth. When worn, the appliance encourages the lower jaw to grow forward into a more favorable position. This treatment not only improves the bite but also enhances facial aesthetics. The Twin Block appliance is typically worn full-time, including while eating, and adjustments are made periodically to ensure continued progress.

Invisalign Mandibular Advancement

Intended to correct jaw descripancies of overbites, through the use of precision wings and occlusal blocks, Invisalign is now able to align the teeth while encouraging the lower jaw to grow into a more favourable position. Generally much more comfortable than the traditional functional appliance approach, this has the additional benefit of also straightening the teeth while improving facial aesthetics and bite positioning.

Each of these treatment modalities plays a crucial role in early intervention orthodontics, helping to correct and guide the development of children's teeth and jaws for better long-term oral health. Timely intervention is necessary, as often, once the child is past puberty, growth modification is no longer recommended.

Considering early intervention orthodontic treatment for your child?
Make an appointment with our Gentle dentists to discover which treatment is best suited for your child.