Milk dentition of a child

Early treatment in the milk dentition

Treating children calls for a great deal of empathy, trust and a pleasant atmosphere in the practice. With some misalignments of the teeth it is advisable to begin the correction while the milk dentition is still in place, in order to ensure that the dentition develops without disturbance.

Space maintainers and the right moment

If milk teeth are lost prematurely, it makes sense to keep the space open with a space maintainer for the tooth that follows. Early and regular check-ups make it possible to determine the optimal moment to start treatment individually and to respond effectively to growth-related changes in the dentition.

If anything unusual shows up after the upper and lower front teeth have erupted - that is, between the ages of six and eight - an orthodontist should be consulted. At this early stage of the change of teeth we treat in particular:

  • overjet of more than 9 mm,
  • obstructed eruption caused by lack of space,
  • crossbites, in which the upper and lower jaw do not interlock correctly,
  • mesial occlusion, in which the lower jaw is positioned in front of the upper jaw.

Removable braces are used which counteract the faulty development and support the further change of teeth.

Fixed braces with brackets bonded to the teeth

Treatment in the permanent dentition

Once all the teeth have erupted, jaw growth is usually complete. The dental arch can now be shaped and the occlusion adjusted optimally. Treatment is carried out with fixed braces, that is, with brackets bonded to the teeth.

The key facts at a glance

  • With some misalignments it makes sense to begin the correction while the milk dentition is still in place.
  • If milk teeth are lost prematurely, a space maintainer keeps the space free for the tooth that follows.
  • If anything unusual appears between the ages of six and eight, an orthodontist should be consulted.
  • During the early change of teeth, large overjets, lack of space, crossbites and mesial occlusion, among others, are treated.
  • In the permanent dentition the dental arch is shaped with fixed braces made of bonded brackets.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a first brace advisable for children?
When irregularities become apparent after the upper and lower front teeth have come through, that is roughly between the ages of six and eight. Regular check-ups help to find the right moment.
What is a space maintainer?
A small appliance that keeps open the space of a baby tooth lost too early, so that the permanent tooth can later come through unhindered.
How can I tell that my child needs a brace?
Typical signs are strongly protruding front teeth, very crowded or crooked rows of teeth, a crossbite or a lower jaw that sits in front of the upper jaw. An orthodontic examination provides certainty.
Fixed or removable brace – which will my child get?
During the early change of teeth mostly removable braces that guide the development. Once all the permanent teeth are through, a fixed brace is usually used.