What are the types of orthodontics for children

The orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry that is responsible for and used to correct dental and / or skeletal occlusions in children and adults. In other words, orthodontics corrects bones and teeth that are misplaced or placed, making the teeth more aligned and beautiful. The results of ortho

The orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry that is responsible for and used to correct dental and / or skeletal occlusions in children and adults. In other words, orthodontics corrects bones and teeth that are misplaced or placed, making the teeth more aligned and beautiful.

The results of orthodontics are more effective during childhood, since during development it is easier to correct the bone defects and dental malpositions of children to show off in adulthood a beautiful smile. Guiainfantil.com has selected some doubts from parents about orthodontics in children and lRaquel Agudo, orthodontist, has answered them.

Orthodontic appliances for children

When and under what circumstances should we take the children to an orthodontic specialist?

It would be advisable that the first revision by an orthodontist be made around 7-8 years, since it is the moment in which the group of definitive upper and lower incisors has erupted, and bone growth is important, which allows us to diagnose if there is a problem that can be corrected early. If the dental replacement and occlusion are correct, we will make annual revisions to control the correct dental eruption. It is also advisable to take the child to the pediatric dentist (specialist in Children's Dentistry) from 3 years, as a rule once a year. And he will be the one to notify the parents if a visit to the orthodontist is necessary before the usual, due to the presence of some problem of skeletal malocclusion, since there are cases in which it is important to start correcting the bone problem before they begin. to appear the first definitive teeth.

What type of devices currently exist?

In general, there are 2 types of devices:

- Removable (to remove and put). They are acrylic devices, which by means of metal hooks are supported in the molars. They help us to correct bone defects by taking advantage of growth, such as the problem of ogival (narrow) palate, which causes a posterior crossbite. These devices are not useful in adults. Its use conditions the results of the treatment. The more hours it is worn, the faster and more evident the correction will be. They need a minimum of hours of use, that is, it is necessary to wear it all night and about 4-6 hours during the day.

- Fixed. We refer to brackets, devices that are cemented to each tooth; but there is also another type of complementary fixtures not necessary in all cases. With the brackets we control the exact position of each tooth, which helps us achieve a perfect occlusion. We can choose the type of material: metallic or porcelain, the latter increasingly used for aesthetics.

How much can a treatment cost: the simplest and the most difficult?
As a rule, a removable orthodontic treatment usually costs around 1,500 euros and an orthodontic treatment costs about 2,800 euros. Many times, doing the pre-treatment of removable orthodontics, if necessary, we can avoid the need for fixed appliances or reduce the time of treatment of these, so that the budget is also reduced.

At what age will the child be able to use braces for the teeth?
Treatment with removable appliances can start around for 7 years. Children at this age are aware of its usefulness and we can call on your help. The treatment with fixed appliances delayed until the replacement of all the temporary teeth and the corresponding eruption of the definitive ones because, as we have already mentioned, they are in charge of correctly positioning each of the teeth to achieve a perfect occlusion.

What care should a child who already uses a device have?In the case of the use of appliances, extreme hygiene measures must be taken. Mainly, in fixed appliances since the retention of food remains and plaque is much higher, so it is advisable to always brush after eating. With the removable appliances we recommend brushing before placing it and when we remove it. Also we will keep the appliance clean by brushing it with water and neutral soap.

Interview granted by:Raquel Agudo, orthodontist. Vital Dent Clinics (Gavá)