For orthodontic treatment in children to be as short and effective as possible, it’s important to intervene at the right time.
Very often, your GP, school doctor or dentist will advise you to see an orthodontist, but you can also consult one on your own if you suspect a particular risk.
Orthodontic treatment can be considered as soon as the first permanent molar has appeared, sometimes even when there are only baby teeth, especially if the lower jaw is undershot. All these orthodontic treatments are available in Luxembourg. But there is also the possibility of braces for adults, so please consult us for a diagnosis.
The aim of these treatments will be to intercept problems before they become too large and therefore difficult to treat. These devices can be fixed or removable, worn all the time or only at night. Wearing time is often between 6 months and a year.
They can move certain teeth, modify jaw growth, re-educate certain functions (sometimes complemented by speech therapy sessions), or prevent deforming habits (thumb sucking, lower lip interposition).
This will improve the aesthetics, function and eruption conditions of future permanent teeth.
It is very common in children who suck their fingers or use a pacifier.
Here you can see a photo before and after orthodontic treatment.
Well-positioned teeth present themselves harmoniously in the upper and lower jaws, making good contact with each other.
Properly aligned, they distribute the forces required for mastication and swallowing.
Tooth malposition occurs when teeth have an abnormal position on the arches or make poor contact with each other.
Deviated jaws or narrow upper jaw
If left untreated for too long, bone asymmetry can set in. Orthodontics alone will no longer be able to resolve the anomaly, and additional surgery may be required in late adolescence. Early treatment also improves nasal breathing and the growth of the upper jaw.
Prominent upper jaw and/or recessed lower jaw
In the absence of early treatment, the risk of fracture of the upper incisors is increased if the upper jaw is too far forward in relation to the lower jaw.
Recessed upper jaw and/or prominent lower jaw
When the lower jaw is in front of the upper, and the child does not benefit from early treatment, orthodontics alone cannot resolve the anomaly. In many cases, further surgery is required in late adolescence.
These orthodontic treatments are linked to developmental abnormalities, or bad habits such as finger sucking.
It takes place in mixed dentition between the ages of 8 and 11. Most patients come for treatment at this time, when the so-called “milk teeth” cohabit with the permanent teeth.
Early treatment – necessary in cases of large sagittal, transverse or vertical jaw misalignments – makes it possible to take advantage of growth and correct dysfunctions (re-education of the orofacial musculature) and jaw misalignments.
During this period, the therapeutic approach is different, as it is adapted to growth phenomena, particularly during puberty.
Permanent teeth, no growth. Patients can therefore be treated in the same way as adults.
Functional problems related to disorders of the occlusion and jaw joints, but also aesthetic concerns play an important role in motivating patients.
Orthodontic retention is the crucial step after active treatment (braces, aligners) to keep teeth aligned and prevent recurrence, i.e. return to their original position.
