Orthodontics is by nature a preventive field. While orthodontists are always getting better at treating malocclusions that have already developed, the bulk of their profession involves identifying and treating problems that have not yet developed. That’s why children have historically been the main recipients of orthodontic care. Because children’s teeth and jaws are always growing, it’s possible to harness that natural growth process to create teeth that are better aligned than they otherwise would be.
If you want to talk through these issues with an orthodontist, Calgary has many doctors who would be happy to consult with you about treatment options. Ask your dentist for a referral, or check the Orthodontist Calgary section of the Canadian Association of Orthodontics website.
Here are some of the tools orthodontists use to prevent serious problems from developing.
Braces: Braces use metal connectors attached to the teeth to gradually create a straighter alignment. Braces are the most prominent orthodontic treatment, but they’re far from the only one. They’re often regarded as one of the most serious forms of orthodontic care, and they’re sometimes used as a last resort when other methods don’t work out.
Space maintainers: When one of a child’s baby teeth falls out, it leaves a space that may not be filled for some time. In some cases, crowding elsewhere in the jaw may cause that space to be filled by teeth that don’t belong there. If you see this happening in your child, see your orthodontist Calgary about implanting a simple device to keep the other teeth from moving into that space.
Thumb sucking appliances: Thumb and finger sucking are among the top causes for orthodontic problems in young children. These habits can lead to misaligned bites as well as abnormal spacing between the top and bottom teeth. If you can’t seek to get your child to stop sucking his or her thumb or fingers, your orthodontist Calgary may be able to install a temporary in-mouth appliance that will help break this habit.
Retainers: For mild misalignments of the jaw, retainers are used to apply gentle pressure to the teeth when the individual is sleeping. They’re also used following a braces treatment to help make sure the teeth stay where they should be.
Dental headgear: Like braces, dental headgear uses the child’s natural growth to help force the jaw into a different alignment. The headgear attaches to the face and jaw and has an attached implement that goes into the mouth. These elements work together to force the jaw to stay in position. These days, few orthodontists use the type of headgear that is made to be worn out and about, as it can be intrusive to a child’s learning at school. Most are designed to be worn only when the child is sleeping.
Cross-bite appliances: When the back upper teeth fit inside of the lower ones, this is known as a crossbite. This misalignment can be repaired by using an appliance designed to expand the upper arch of the jaw, which will spread the upper teeth and create a more normal alignment.
