Timely orthodontic treatment for children facilitates easier and more effective correction of jaw irregularities and alignment of teeth into their proper positions on the dental arch, with less discomfort and more efficiency.”
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Today, more parents are considering dental braces for their children, often wondering when it’s best to start orthodontic treatment. Early detection of certain orthodontic conditions can help them be easier to correct. Interceptive orthodontic treatment not only addresses current issues but also prevents more severe problems as a child grows. With over 10 years of expertise and a track record of hundreds of successful cases, Elite Dental’s specialists are adept at identifying bite issues in young children and providing timely intervention. In this article, we will address the importance of early orthodontic care and answer common questions about braces for children.
Critical Timing for Children’s Braces: What Parents Should Know
Orthodontic treatment for children involves the use of dental appliances such as braces (bonded brackets with archwires or clear aligners) to align a child’s teeth into proper positions on the dental arch. This treatment helps children achieve a confident smile with well-aligned teeth, while also supporting optimal chewing function and oral hygiene.”
Many parents wonder: Should children get orthodontic treatment as early as possible?
Dr. Do Quynh Nhu, Executive Committee member of the Ho Chi Minh City Orthodontic Association and Orthodontist at Elite Dental, explains that it’s not necessarily beneficial to start braces for children as early as possible; the timing should be appropriate.
The ideal age range for orthodontic treatment in children is between 6 to 12 years old (the mixed dentition stage). This period is advantageous because the jaw bones are actively developing and children are going through the process of losing primary teeth and erupting permanent teeth, making it optimal for widening the dental arches, aligning the jawbones, and positioning teeth correctly.
Especially by the age of 6-7 years old, parents should bring their children to a specialized orthodontist to assess jaw development, monitor the transition from primary to permanent teeth, and detect any early abnormalities.
If parents wait until after 12 years old, when most permanent teeth have erupted or jawbone growth is nearly complete, orthodontic treatment becomes more challenging. In some cases, it may even require tooth extractions or jaw surgery.
When Should A Child Be Taken To An Orthodontist?
Parents should take their children to see an orthodontist when they have one of the following problems:
Diastema, large gaps between teeth.
Crowded teeth, overlapping or crooked teeth.
Protruding teeth, where upper front teeth and upper lip stick out prominently.
Underbite, where lower front teeth protrude beyond upper front teeth, often not visible when smiling.
Overbite, where upper front teeth excessively overlap lower front teeth, often visible when smiling.
Crossbite, where one or more teeth are improperly aligned, either in front of or behind the opposing teeth.
Open bite, where upper and lower teeth do not meet when biting down.
The Benefits Of Timely Getting Orthodontic Treatment For Your Child
Getting braces provides children with many benefits during their development. Here are the benefits this type of treatment can provide:
Correct misaligned jaw and align teeth better
Enhance aesthetic outcomes and achieve ideal bite alignment
Starting orthodontic treatment for children early, before the jawbones have fully hardened, helps realign both jaws to their physiologically ideal positions quickly, thereby reducing treatment time. This approach results in children having straight, beautiful teeth, balanced oral structure, and harmonious facial aesthetics.”
Ensure long-term treatment stability
Children receive orthodontic treatment from highly skilled and experienced specialists who employ suitable techniques to maintain long-term results, minimizing the need for retreatment in adulthood.
Reduce oral health issues - Boost confidence for children
Having straight, well-aligned teeth after orthodontic treatment makes it easier for children to maintain oral hygiene, thereby preventing uncomfortable dental problems and enhancing confidence in communication.
Phases Of Orthodontics For Children
The stages of orthodontic treatment for children aged 6-12 include:
Step 1
Early interceptive treatment
Step 2
The stage of monitoring tooth eruption
Step 3
Comprehensive treatment
Stage 1: Early interceptive treatment
The bone correction phase lasts from 12 to 24 months, during which the orthodontist uses various orthodontic appliances to align jaw irregularities (such as protruding or recessed jaws) in children aged 6 to 12. Specifically, there are 5 specialized orthodontic appliances utilized:
- EF functional appliance: Applied during the pre-orthodontic intervention phase to treat dental and jaw irregularities. The minimum wearing time for EF appliances is 2 hours during the day and overnight while sleeping.
- Headgear: Used to correct upper jaw protrusion relative to the lower jaw, helping to reduce the severity of jaw protrusion. The minimum wearing time for Headgear is 10 to 12 hours per day.
- Facemask: Used to assist in correcting recessed upper jaws or excessive development of the lower jaw. This appliance requires a minimum wearing time of 8 to 12 hours per day, typically worn in the evening and overnight.
- Quad-Helix expander: Helps balance jaw development, applied for children aged 9 and older.
- Tongue crib appliance for open bite: Fixed onto the teeth, typically on the lower first molars, it prevents the tongue from pushing against the teeth, thus correcting tongue positioning habits.
Stage 2: Monitoring tooth eruption
Following the bone correction phase, the orthodontist monitors the process of primary tooth shedding and permanent tooth eruption every 3-6 months.
Stage 3: Comprehensive treatment
This is usually carried out when the jaws and face have finished growing. Children commonly wear fixed braces for 18-24 months to correct their bites. This stage typically takes 18-24 months to complete, depending on the specific case.
Duration of Children Orthodontic Treatment
Typically ranges from 1 to 3 years or longer, depending on the severity of the child’s dental misalignment.
What Are The Different Types Of Braces For Kids?
Elite Dental offers three methods of orthodontic treatment for children. After an examination, depending on the child’s specific dental misalignment, the orthodontist will advise and explain to parents the most suitable type of braces for their child.
Growth guidance appliance
Orthodontic growth appliances are used to intervene in jaw alignment issues for children aged 6-12, helping to correct jaw misalignment and achieve proper jaw positioning, resulting in a round and even dental arch. After the growth appliance phase stabilizes jaw alignment, children progress to detailed bite correction using either fixed braces or clear aligners.
Fixed braces for children
This is the most common orthodontic treatment using brackets to realign the teeth. Brackets are made of stainless steel or ceramic. The treatment time can last from 1 to 2 years, depending on a child’s orthodontic condition.
Clear aligners
This is the latest technology in treating orthodontic problems. Different from traditional braces, clear aligners are more aesthetically pleasing since they are clear and removable and do not use wires. Aligners are custom-formed plastic guides that fit over the teeth and are used in a series to move the teeth into their desired positions.
Our Orthodontists Specializing in Children’s Treatment
Dr. Nguyen Thi Xuan Ngoc graduated with honors from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, specializing in Dentistry. To enhance her professional knowledge, she pursued a Master’s degree in Orthodontics while actively working. Simultaneously, she participated in numerous specialized training courses in orthodontics. This dedication allows her to meticulously plan each treatment, helping patients comprehensively correct dental and jaw irregularities, regain a healthy and confident smile, and achieve proper dental alignment.
- Graduated from Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy – Odonto-Stomatology, 2014.
- Received Master’s Degree from Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy – Odonto-Stomatology, 2017.
- Received certification in Orthodontics from Ho Chi Minh City Odonto-Stomatology Hospital, 2018
- Completed Professor Nelson J Oppermann’s “Basic and Advanced BioMeaw Course,” 2018.
- Completed Pr. Enrique Garcia Romero and Pr Sergio Sambataro’s course of interceptive treatment by bioprogressive in 2023.
- Received certification with the Invisalign system.
- Fluent in English.
Dr.
Nguyen Thi Xuan Ngoc
With many years of successful experience treating hundreds of orthodontic cases for adults and children, Dr. Truc recognizes that correcting developmental bone irregularities at the right time and in the right way is the optimal solution for effective correction. Therefore, throughout her career, Dr. Truc has always adhered to the philosophy of taking immediate action to enhance aesthetics for patients, especially children, by ensuring treatment is conducted during the critical “golden” period. This approach aims to prevent any impact on the smile’s aesthetics and the psychological well-being of children as they grow up.
- Graduated with great honors from Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy – Odonto-Stomatology, 2009.
- Received certification in Orthodontics from the University of Bordeaux (France), 2013.
- Dr. Truc has experience in Orthodontic Dentistry since 2014 and Invisalign since 2019.
- Received Master Degree in Dentistry from Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy in 2017.
- Completed Professor Enrique Garcia Romero’s “Basic and Advanced BioMeaw Course” in 2019.
- Completed Pr. Enrique Garcia Romero and Pr Sergio Sambataro’s course of interceptive treatment by bioprogressive in 2023.
- Fluent in English and French.
Dr.
Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc
Dr.
Nguyen Thi Xuan Ngoc
Dr.
Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc
Why Choose Elite Dental For Your Kids?
Specialized doctors – Gentle treatment – Comprehensive results
Understanding the psychological aspects: Elite Dental’s skilled orthodontists
Our team comprises experienced orthodontists who regularly participate in international training courses, with extensive expertise in both traditional braces and clear aligners. Moreover, Elite Dental’s doctors are exceptionally empathetic and gentle, fostering good cooperation and ensuring a smooth orthodontic experience for children.
Special play area and treatment rooms for children
Elite Dental Clinic takes pride in being a specialized orthodontic center with treatment rooms designed in a closed-loop model, fully equipped with amenities. Elite has also dedicated a fun play area filled with vibrant colors and exciting activities, ensuring children feel comfortable and joyful during their visits.
Modern facilities and sterile processes
Elite Dental focuses on investing in modern facilities, equipped with advanced machinery to support accurate diagnosis and prescribe appropriate appliances, thereby ensuring effective treatment for children to achieve the brightest smiles. The orthodontic process at Elite guarantees stringent sterile conditions, maximizing disinfection and ensuring safety for children.
Diverse successful braces cases for children
With more than 12 years of treatment, Elite Dental possesses a database of thousands of successful clinical cases. Parents can preview similar dental cases with their children, giving them peace of mind on a painless braces journey, without tooth extraction, and soon possessing a perfect smile with a standard bite when entering puberty.
Comprehensive aesthetic and dental health results
Elite Dentists have a comprehensive understanding of dental and jaw structure, as well as tooth movement, enabling precise planning of orthodontic treatments for children. They accurately prescribe the appropriate methods and perform techniques with precision. As a result, children achieve comprehensive effectiveness at the end of treatment, meeting three criteria: BEAUTIFUL SMILE – GOOD EATING AND CHEWING ABILITY – LONG-TERM DENTAL HEALTH.
Attentive service and enthusiastic parent consultation
Parents are completely satisfied with the experience at Elite, as the doctors provide thorough consultations and closely accompany them throughout the orthodontic process to ensure proper tooth movement and timely issue resolution. Additionally, the Elite staff is always ready to support and promptly address any concerns.
How Much Do Braces Cost for Children?
At Elite Dental, the price of children’s braces depends on the condition of tooth misalignment and the doctor will create a treatment regimen and prescribe the appropriate braces method.
SERVICE | PRICE |
Orthodontic treatment for children | 15.000.000 – 30.000.000 VND |
| Orthodontic treatment for children Comprehensive treatment (Metal braces) | 40.000.000 – 50.000.000 VND |
Children's orthodontic treatment installment plan with 0% interest:
Minimum payment of 20 million VND.
Customers must have credit cards from Standard Chartered/HSBC/Shinhan or agree to open credit cards with these banks.
Installment periods: Standard Chartered Bank offers 3/6/9 months; HSBC offers 3/6 months; Shinhan Bank offers 6 months.
Prices may vary depending on the specific condition of each patient and the chosen treatment method. Please contact Elite Dental for accurate consultation and pricing.
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Key Tips for a Smooth Orthodontic Journey for Children
To achieve perfect, long-lasting results for children’s braces journey, do not ignore the following notes:
Before Treatment
- Choosing a reputable dental clinic with experienced orthodontists who prescribe appropriate orthodontic methods using quality appliances ensures safety.
- Having children undergo orthodontic treatment during the “golden” age of 6-12 (the phase of tooth replacement) achieves comprehensive orthodontic results quickly, conveniently, and with less discomfort.
- Thoroughly researching orthodontic methods and consulting with a dentist to choose the right option for the child’s dental misalignment.
- Balancing a child’s psychological well-being during orthodontic treatment is crucial for a smooth journey.
- Parents and dentists should support the child, engage in conversations, and explain the significance and anticipated outcomes of orthodontic treatment for their future well-being.
During & After Treatment
- Pay attention to your child’s nutrition in the first 1-2 days, opting for soft, mashed foods (such as porridge, soup, oatmeal,…) to prevent discomfort when eating. For desserts, parents can choose from: bananas, yogurt, cheese, smoothies, fruit juices…
- Children should avoid hard foods (hard candies, bread, nuts, apples), sticky items (chewing gum, gummy candies, dried fruits), and foods that stain teeth (caramel, tea, soda).
- Guide your child in regular oral hygiene practices as recommended by the dentist. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean tooth surfaces, being gentle around the braces to avoid dislodging the brackets.
- Parents can also provide dental floss for the child to remove food debris and particles.
- Remind your child to adjust habits such as mouth breathing, pushing the tongue against the teeth, finger or nail biting, or using hands to remove orthodontic appliances, to ensure the orthodontic treatment outcomes are not affected.
- Ensure regular dental check-ups as scheduled by the dentist to monitor tooth movement speed and promptly address any issues that arise.
FAQ About Children’s Braces
Should children undergo home orthodontic treatment?
Parents should not attempt to orthodontically treat their children at home using braces kits purchased online. Not all products fit the child’s tooth sizes properly, which can lead to misalignment and difficulty in controlling the force, potentially worsening the condition. Moreover, most braces kits sold online lack clear origins, are not made from certified materials, have not been sterilized, and may cause inflammation and pose various risks to oral health.
Can orthodontic treatment costs for children be covered by health insurance?
The answer is no. Orthodontic treatment is considered a cosmetic service, not a medical treatment covered by health insurance.
My 8-year-old child has gum recession, what should I do?
Gum recession is characterized by deep overbite, short teeth, and visible gums when smiling, along with the upper teeth biting excessively over the lower teeth, covering almost the entire lower jaw. Therefore, as soon as you notice these signs of gum recession in your child, it’s important to take them to a dental clinic for a direct consultation with an orthodontist. For this condition, the orthodontist may recommend using modern EF appliances for the child to wear at night, helping to elevate the bite and address the gum recession issue.
What should I do if my child refuses to wear orthodontic appliances?
To encourage better cooperation in wearing orthodontic appliances, parents and orthodontists should work together to gently explain to the child the significance and future benefits of orthodontic treatment. Additionally, parents can praise the child whenever they wear their appliances on time and independently. Another helpful approach is to arrange for the child to meet and chat with other children who are also undergoing orthodontic treatment, so they can share experiences and realize that wearing braces can be painless.
How often do I need to take my child to see the orthodontist during the braces treatment process?
During the orthodontic treatment process for your child, you should typically bring them to see the orthodontist for a check-up every 4 to 6 weeks. At Elite Dental, our staff will proactively communicate the reexamination schedule to parents, making it easy to arrange appointments for their children.
To achieve optimal results in children’s orthodontic treatment, it requires not only the efforts and cooperation of the child and parents but also relies on an expertly designed treatment plan by highly skilled orthodontists. With a track record of successfully treating thousands of children with varying levels of complexity, the Elite Dental team is committed to supporting parents in ensuring children have a radiant smile, paving the way for future successes.
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