Why an orthodontist may recommend specific care for young children in the Mississauga ON area

Braces are orthodontic treatment intended to move teeth into their rightful place. This type of care typically begins sometime just before or during the teenage years. Thanks to innovative developments like Invisalign, there is now a high percentage of adult orthodontic patients. One of the things we have yet to see offered by every orthodontist is treatment for young children. Dr. Kotecha’s Mississauga, ON dental practice is an exception.

When it comes to correcting the placement of teeth, Dr. Kotecha also finds it important to address potential abnormalities in the structure of the jaw as a whole. If teeth are corrected in the jaw, but the jaw remains out of alignment, the smile will look great but the facial profile may not. Additionally, if the jaw is not properly aligned, secondary issues like TMJ disorder or obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to develop at some point in time.

There are several reasons functional orthodontics may be recommended for young children:

Getting a jump on development

By the time a child is “old enough” for orthodontic treatment, about the age of twelve, his or her facial structure is already 90 percent developed. Early treatment of structural problems with functional appliances corrects up to 80 percent of the underlying problem before permanent teeth can fully erupt.

Better cooperation

Younger children actually tend to be more positive about their orthodontic treatment than most teens.

Timeframe for correction

Functional orthodontics is often completed in two phases. When the first phase improves the overall oral structure, the second phase of teeth straightening can often be completed in nine months or less.

The facial profile

One of the problems that exist in many children is the underdeveloped lower jaw. When this problem can be corrected in phase one of functional orthodontics, there can be a dramatic improvement in the facial profile. A jaw that is properly corrected will protrude naturally rather than “sink back.”

Dr. Kotecha offers treatments that have been proven beneficial to her patients. We are happy to discuss the details of functional orthodontics with you. Call our Mississauga dental office at (905) 455-9262.

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