Child Orthodontics — A Complete Guide for Parents
What Is Child Orthodontics
Child orthodontics focuses on diagnosing, preventing and treating dental and jaw anomalies in children during the formative years of their dentition. When working with children, the orthodontist must consider the child's psychological development and the stages of dental system growth.
Main Directions
- Early diagnosis and prevention of dental-maxillary anomalies
- Treatment of occlusion dysfunctions
- Correction of facial and masticatory muscles
- Preparatory therapy before prosthetic treatment
- Treatment of patients with congenital anomalies
When to Visit a Pediatric Orthodontist
The first preventive check-up is recommended at 3–4 years of age. The earlier problems are identified, the more effective the treatment. Signs requiring early consultation: dental crowding, mouth breathing, speech defects, prolonged pacifier use, nail biting.
Causes of Dental Anomalies in Children
Hereditary: a child may inherit a small jaw from one parent and large teeth from the other — leading to crowding.
Acquired: endocrine disorders, mouth breathing, bottle feeding, lack of hard foods in diet, harmful habits (finger sucking, lip biting, sleeping with head tilted back).
Treatment Methods
- From age 2: vestibular plates for mild anomalies
- From age 4: trainers and orthodontic plates, silicone activators
- From age 10: fixed appliances (braces) for correction of the dental-maxillary system
At Orto Clinic Chisinau, we treat children using gentle and painless methods adapted to each age group.