Children don’t usually require orthodontic treatment, and the orthodontist is only needed if overbite or underbite is present. So how can we tell if a child needs orthodontic treatment?

Many orthodontists use the word “malocclusion” to describe teeth that aren’t straight. A malocclusion can be described as an orthodontic problem such as teeth that are blocked out of the way of other teeth, overlapping teeth, or crooked or crowded teeth.

There are two main types of orthodontic problems:

– Overbite / Underbite 

– Crowding or Spacing The first orthodontic case that orthodontists see are children with baby teeth that have grown in crooked. Although orthodontic treatment is usually started when the child has all their adult teeth, it is still important to attend regular orthodontic checkups so any problems can be identified early.

Orthodontists mainly use two different techniques to correct orthodontic problems:

– braces 

– clear aligners (such as Invisalign®) As orthodontists we find that the type of orthodontic treatment a patient needs is greatly based on their case history and orthodontic assessments. Both treatments can be very effective but they’re different. Orthodontic problems in children usually fall into one orthodontic concern or another.

– Overbite / Underbite 

– Crowding or Spacing Each ortho problem has an ortho treatment plan, which will be discussed with the orthodontist and parent after orthodontic assessment. There are three orthodontic stages that orthodontists follow before orthodontic treatment is started.