Orthodontics for Childrenhas

Orthodontics in Children: When and Why to Start?

At Dr. David Benguira, we know how important it is to ensure healthy dental and jaw development from an early age. Pediatric orthodontics is an essential step in identifying and correcting dental and jaw problems before they become more complex to treat. However, the ideal time to begin orthodontic treatment varies depending on the age and specific needs of each child. Here is an overview of the different phases of treatment based on age, as well as why choosing the right time to intervene is crucial

Early Monitoring (3 to 6 years)

At this age, children have mostly baby teeth, and it is usually too early to consider major orthodontic corrections. However, this is an ideal time to monitor and correct habits that could affect oral development, such as thumb sucking. This behavior, which often persists beyond preschool, can lead to visible dental malpositions (such as protruding teeth) and jaw deformities. More discreetly, it can also cause tongue dysfunction, thus worsening the deformities. It is therefore important to intervene gently and appropriately to prevent these future problems.

Interception Treatment (7 to 10 years)

Between the ages of 7 and 10 is the ideal phase to begin interceptive treatment. This stage is essential to redirect jaw growth and correct bad dental positions as soon as they appear. The appliances used at this stage are often simple and well tolerated by children, and help prepare the mouth for future transformations. Interceptive treatment can include correcting thumb sucking, if it has not yet been treated, helping the child to give up this harmful habit of their own free will.

Complete Treatment (After 11 years)

When all permanent teeth are in place and there is still growth remaining, a complete treatment often becomes necessary. This phase aims to stabilize and perfect the alignment of the teeth and the positioning of the jaw. At this age, treatments can be more complex, but they are also more definitive, offering a complete and lasting correction of dental and jaw problems.

Why is it crucial to choose the right time to start?

Choosing the right time to start orthodontic treatment is crucial to maximize its effectiveness. Intervention that is too early could disrupt the child psychologically without providing stable results, while intervention that is too late could require longer and more complex treatments. This is why Dr. David Benguira, with his expertise, carefully assesses the specific needs of each patient to determine the optimal time to start treatment.

Orthodontics for Adults

It’s never too late to improve your smile. Adults who didn’t get orthodontic treatment in their youth can still achieve remarkable results. Less visible aesthetic solutions, such as lingual orthodontics or Invisalign, are available, offering equally effective but more discreet treatments.

Dr. David Benguira: Your specialist in St-Eustache

At Dr. David Benguira, each treatment is personalized to meet your child's unique needs. We invite you to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss the best options for your child's dental health. Come discover how a proactive approach to orthodontics can benefit your child's growth and well-being today! Located in St-Eustache, our clinic is easily accessible and ready to welcome you. Contact us to schedule your visit and begin the journey to a healthy and confident smile for your child.