Pre-orthodontics for pre-teens
Preventing problems, with pre-orthodontics
You’re probably familiar with the term ‘orthodontics’ – the specialist branch of dentistry dealing with misaligned teeth and jaws? Not so long ago it was standard practice for treatment to be started only when the adult teeth were in, meaning that younger children missed out on the opportunity for early correction. Pre-orthodontics has changed all that!
What is pre-orthodontics?
Basically, as the name suggests, pre-orthodontics take place at a much earlier stage – from as young as four. Whereas in the past, children with misaligned teeth had to wait years for a teenage metal brace that was uncomfortable and unwieldy; now the root causes of poor alignment or under-developed jaws can be treated and corrected much earlier.
How does pre-orthodontics work?
Your dentist is skilled in treating pre-teens’ misaligned teeth in a gentle and minimally invasive way, using a range of techniques including tongue exercises and custom-fitted removable braces.
Children aged four and over will benefit hugely from early intervention if they are developing crooked teeth, bite problems or poor oral habits. These can cause your child to display a range of symptoms, such as:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should normally start losing teeth around 5, and will have all his / her permanent teeth by 13)
- Difficulty chewing and/or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Continued thumb sucking after the age of five
- Speech impediments
- Protruding teeth
- Teeth that don’t come together when biting
- Crowded front teeth
- Jaw clenching
- Teeth grinding
What are the treatment options for my child?
Our team of children’s dentists are highly experienced in identifying, managing and correcting dental issues in early childhood. We use Myobrace – a simple and effective pre-orthodontic brace worn for just 1-2 hours each day and whilst sleeping. The custom-fitted Myobrace device works by providing light pressure on your child’s hard palate, which over time will allow it to reshape. Coupled with the Myobrace activities your child will follow via an app to encourage correct tongue placement, your child’s teeth, and jaw will realign to their natural position. Regular appointments help us monitor progress and make any adjustments that may be required for your child’s personalised exercise programme.
