Orthodontics for children | A healthy bite and a beautiful smile for the future
The goal of orthodontics for children is to guide the development of the teeth and jaws in the right direction while the child is still growing. Early treatment can support proper bite development and reduce the extent of orthodontic treatment needed later on. At Dent Å, orthodontics for children is always carried out at specialist dentist level – treatment is planned individually, taking into account the child's stage of growth and needs.
Why is orthodontics for children important?
Although baby teeth are temporary, their position and bite significantly affect how the permanent teeth and jaws develop. That is why it is worth monitoring bite development from an early stage. An untreated bite issue can cause tooth wear, jaw joint problems and make it harder to keep the teeth clean. Crowded teeth increase the risk of cavities and gum inflammation.
Early orthodontic treatment takes advantage of the child's natural growth. When a bite issue is detected and corrected during the growth years, treatment is often simpler and the results better than later in adulthood. At best, early treatment can significantly reduce the extent of orthodontic treatment needed in the future.
When is early orthodontic treatment needed?
Every child's bite develops individually. In some situations, however, it is worth guiding bite development at an early stage. Such situations may include, for example, crossbite in the front or side area, a pronounced deep bite, significant crowding, eruption disorders, underbite (where the lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth), or a pronounced overjet where the upper front teeth protrude noticeably forward. Significantly protruding front teeth also increase the risk of dental injuries.
The need for early treatment is always assessed individually at the clinic. An early assessment does not automatically mean that treatment will begin – often monitoring alone is sufficient.
Why choose Dent Å for children's orthodontics?
At Dent Å, orthodontics for children is always carried out at specialist dentist level. Planning and carrying out orthodontic treatment requires in-depth expertise in jaw growth, dental development and different treatment methods – that is why the treatment is planned and guided by a dentist specialised in orthodontics.
In the public healthcare system, orthodontic treatment is usually only offered for the most severe bite issues, which means many children are left without treatment or face long waiting times. At Dent Å, you can get a consultation quickly, and treatment can begin when the timing is optimal in terms of the child's growth.
Our clinic has a calm and warm atmosphere where even a child who is nervous about dental care feels safe. Our extended opening hours make it easy to fit check-up visits into the family's everyday schedule.
Orthodontic treatment in two phases
First phase (approx. 6–10 years)
The first phase takes place at a time when the child still has baby teeth or the first permanent teeth have erupted. The goal of this phase is to guide the development of the bite and jaws in the right direction. The treatment is planned to be as straightforward as possible and to fit into the child's everyday life. The first phase of treatment often lasts approximately 6–12 months, after which bite development is monitored.
Treatment may involve, for example, bite guides (such as the Finnish LM-Activator™ appliance), removable orthodontic appliances, partial fixed appliances, upper jaw expansion devices, or, when necessary, extraction of baby teeth to create space for the permanent teeth. The treatment method is always chosen individually based on the child's situation.
Monitoring phase After the first phase, there is often a break during which the eruption of the permanent teeth is awaited. During this time, bite development is monitored regularly and an assessment is made as to whether a second phase will be needed later.
Second phase (approx. 11–14 years)
The second phase is typically carried out once the permanent teeth have come in. This phase focuses on more precise alignment of the teeth and fine-tuning the bite. Depending on the situation, treatment may involve fixed appliances or aligner therapy.
Not all children need both phases. In some cases, only the first phase is sufficient, while in others, treatment begins directly with the second phase. A specialist dentist in orthodontics will assess, based on the examination, which treatment path is best for the child.
