Can a Pediatric Dentist Deal with Teeth Straightening Issues?

Wondering whether a pediatric dentist can also offer orthodontic treatment? Read on to learn more. A pediatric dentist provides dental care to children and teenagers. Children can learn how to care for their own teeth during dental appointments. Pediatric dental care offers children the necessary assistance to maintain their dental health from the time they get their first baby tooth until they reach adolescence.

How a pediatric dentist deals with teeth straightening issues

A pediatric dentist addresses children's dental needs and teaches them and their parents about preventive dental care. From cavities to more complex oral issues, pediatric dentists are qualified to perform dental exams, diagnose, and restore their patients' oral health through various treatment options.

It is particularly important for young patients to be followed throughout the critical periods of their dental development. Additionally, pediatric dentists have received special training to make children feel more at ease throughout dental examinations and treatments.

In terms of formal education, all pediatric dentists have completed four years of dentistry school. In addition, they go on to complete two more years of a practical residency program in pediatric dentistry. These two years of extra training are devoted to putting children at ease in the dentist's chair.

Addressing teeth straightening issues

Pediatric dentists can also assess and treat misalignment of the teeth or jaws that requires dental intervention. Braces, clear aligners, and retainers are all teeth-straightening procedures that progressively rearrange teeth into a healthier and more aligned position.

Since the positioning of adult teeth is typically the most adjustable throughout adolescence, teeth straightening treatments in children are generally effective. Pediatric dentistry is also important for teens. Therefore, there is the extra advantage that the dentist can offer services without necessarily having to make a referral to other specialists.

Early orthodontic treatment (2-6 years old)

Early orthodontic therapy aims to direct and control the width of the two dental arches simultaneously. The primary objective of early treatment is to ensure that the permanent teeth can emerge in the right position. Children who have difficulties biting, children who lose their baby teeth early, children whose jaws click or grind when they move, and children who breathe via their mouths (rather than their nose AND mouth) are all good candidates for early orthodontic treatment.

During the early stages of therapy, a pediatric dentist will work with parents and the child to break bad behaviors such as thumb sucking and excessive pacifier usage. The dentist may recommend dental devices such as space maintainers to preserve space for adult teeth or prevent the teeth from "shifting" into undesirable positions.

Stage 2 orthodontic treatments (6-12 years old)

Treatments at this stage are designed to realign jaws, repair crossbites, and begin correcting misplaced permanent teeth. Soft and hard tissues are very malleable throughout the stage of development known as the "middle dentition." This stage is ideal for correcting severe malocclusion. The dentist can recommend orthodontic devices such as braces or aligners.

Adolescent dentition (13+ years old)

Adolescent dentition is the typical orthodontic therapy time period used by most parents. Work on adolescent dentition aims to straighten the permanent teeth and enhance the smile's aesthetic appeal. The dentist will most likely use orthodontic devices to straighten the teeth progressively. The teenager may need to wear a retainer after orthodontic treatment to prevent the teeth from reverting to their original position.

The importance of dental care for children

Regular dental checkups and hygiene are of the utmost importance in children. Pediatric dentists can observe and identify dental issues early, ensuring prompt and non-invasive treatment. Early diagnosis of teeth straightening issues that need further attention can help to prevent future complications. This situation applies to spatial abnormalities or tooth placement issues that, if not recognized early, might cause additional injury to the patient in the future.

The pediatric dentist can monitor children in their teenage years and discover structural concerns. This supervision allows them to determine the best time for a patient to obtain braces. However, when braces are not a suitable treatment option, the dentist may evaluate if alternative orthodontic procedures, such as clear aligners, are a better fit.

Final thoughts

Many structural issues in the mouth originate in childhood. Therefore, orthodontic treatments are more effective before adult teeth fuse into permanent placements. Visiting a pediatric dentist who also provides teeth-straightening treatments can help you be prepared for additional treatment if necessary.

For patients already undergoing orthodontic treatment, the combined pediatric dentistry and orthodontics services may provide the extra care needed to maintain a child's dental hygiene while ensuring proper care of the orthodontic appliances.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.

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