Orthodontics for children and adolescents

Detecting undesirable developments early and counteracting them – in an atmosphere in which children feel at ease.

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Gentle guidance instead of overwhelming

Treating children requires a great deal of empathy, trust and a pleasant practice atmosphere. With some misalignments it is advisable to begin the correction while the milk teeth are still in place, in order to ensure undisturbed development of the dentition.

When the right moment has come cannot be said in general terms. Regular check-ups give us the opportunity to determine the start of treatment on a completely individual basis.

Child with a misaligned tooth in the mixed dentition

Early treatment while the milk teeth are still in place

If milk teeth are lost prematurely, it makes sense to keep the space open for the succeeding tooth with a space maintainer. This is a removable brace that is worn at night until the permanent tooth comes through.

Early and regular check-ups make it possible to determine the optimal start of treatment individually and to respond effectively to growth-related changes in the dentition. If irregularities become apparent after the upper and lower front teeth have come through – between the ages of 6 and 8 – an orthodontic appointment is advisable.

At this early stage of the change of teeth we treat, among other things, overjets of more than 9 mm, obstructed eruption due to lack of space, crossbites and mesial occlusion, in which the lower jaw is positioned in front of the upper jaw. Removable braces are used, which counteract the undesirable developments and support the further change of teeth. The treatment takes about one and a half years.

Model of a fixed brace with coloured brackets

Treatment in the permanent dentition

Once all the teeth have come through, jaw growth is usually complete. The dental arch can now be shaped and the occlusion set optimally.

This is what the fixed brace is for: brackets bonded to the tooth which, connected by an archwire, move the teeth. The fixed brace should remain in the mouth for one to two years. In order to secure the treatment result in the long term, it is then advisable to bond a small wire behind the front teeth – a so-called retainer.

The most important points at a glance

  • With some misalignments the correction begins while the milk teeth are still in place.
  • Typical reasons for early treatment are a crossbite, lack of space, a large overjet and mesial occlusion.
  • Treatment initially uses removable braces; early treatment takes about one and a half years.
  • After the change of teeth a fixed brace usually follows for one to two years.
  • A retainer behind the front teeth secures the result in the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does early orthodontic treatment make sense?
When abnormalities become apparent between the ages of six and eight - for example an overjet of more than 9 mm, a crossbite, a mesial occlusion or teeth that cannot erupt because of lack of space. Regular check-ups help not to miss the right moment.
What is a space maintainer?
If a milk tooth is lost too early, the space for the permanent tooth that follows can be lost as well. A space maintainer - usually a removable appliance worn at night - keeps that space open until the permanent tooth erupts.
Does my child really have to wear the brace every day?
With removable appliances the wearing time is decisive for the outcome. We discuss very concretely with your child how many hours a day are needed - and why. Digital progress monitoring can provide extra motivation.
Does a brace hurt?
A feeling of pressure can occur immediately after fitting or after an adjustment, and usually eases within a few days. Severe pain is not normal - please contact us if that happens.