In fact, this is a question that most of our patients have an idea about but do not know the clear answer to. Orthodontic treatment is possible for some patients after all permanent teeth have erupted, for some patients at the age of 7-8, and for some at any age. In fact, although all of these are true, the treatment protocol applied for each age is different and may have different results.
Our child between the ages of 3-6 should be introduced to a pedodontist or orthodontist during the primary dentition period. Caries in milk teeth must be treated because it will shift the direction of the permanent dentition coming from below and cause space shortage. In addition, children of this age may have habits that need to be abandoned, such as constant mouth breathing, thumb sucking, bottle pacifier use, etc., which negatively affect jaw growth. It is important to inform the family at this stage.
The first permanent teeth appear around the age of 6-7. The two front upper and lower incisors and the first molars. At this stage, the first orthodontic check is important. If the patient has a jaw problem (this may be lower jaw protrusion or side displacements), it may manifest itself at this age. Even if there is no jaw problem, in some cases the lower incisors may be positioned further forward than the upper ones. In this case, immediate intervention would be appropriate in terms of correct jaw growth and bone health of the lower incisor. Another situation is incorrect tooth contact, especially caused by milk canine teeth, and shifting the jaw sideways when closing the mouth. This can be resolved with simple interventions and permanent slippage in the future can be prevented.
Until approximately the age of 12, one tooth erupts and the other emerges, which is a very active period for our children. Again, during these rotations, periodic check-ups should be made to an orthodontist in terms of jaw problems and monitoring the eruption directions and current locations of the teeth. If the specialist deems it necessary, he will intervene and even if he does not see a significant problem, he will wait for all permanent teeth to erupt and offer the patient the option of applying braces.
Lower jaw protrusion and lower jaw retardation are very specific issues and the treatments applied vary depending on each case. However, the treatment of jaw problems in children in the growth and development period must begin before adolescence and It should take advantage of the growth spurt in adolescence to give the jaw a proper growth direction.
The timing of orthodontic treatment is not very critical in cases where no jaw growth problem is observed. However, in braces treatments applied during adolescence, the growth mechanisms that already exist in the body, new cell production, can also cause smooth and healthy changes in the bone structure surrounding the teeth, and the teeth can respond to treatment more quickly and properly. However, during this period, the patient's positive attitude towards the treatment and protection of his dental health should also be taken into consideration.
As a result, orthodontic treatment is possible at any age. In cases with jaw problems, orthognathic surgery or compensation treatment may be recommended depending on the condition of the case.
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