As winter break approaches, orthodontic departments in many hospitals are getting busier. Experts note that an increasing number of children now have misaligned teeth. Orthodontic treatment is a long-term commitment, and choosing the right time to start is crucial. Winter break offers a good opportunity, as children can temporarily set aside their heavy academic workload.
Fanfan, now in sixth grade, has all his permanent teeth except for four wisdom teeth. Unfortunately, his teeth are crooked and misaligned, with one small tooth even pushed outward.His mother wants to take him to the hospital for orthodontic treatment but has some concerns. Braces can be somewhat uncomfortable, and since children are still growing, might this affect their appetite and lead to malnutrition?
Upon visiting the hospital, Dr. Shi Jiejun assured her that now is indeed an ideal time for her child to begin orthodontic treatment.
Generally, the golden window for orthodontic treatment is between ages 11 and 12 for girls, and 13 to 14 for boys. After this period, skeletal development stabilizes, making treatment more challenging. If parents can't determine if their child needs orthodontics, it's advisable to schedule an annual dental checkup during these formative years for professional assessment.However, children with severe dental misalignment issues like underbites should seek orthodontic treatment during the primary dentition stage.
With improving living standards and increasingly refined diets, jawbone development has gradually declined. The reduced bone volume fails to provide sufficient space for tooth growth, leading to misalignment. Certain poor dental habits during childhood development, such as thumb-sucking or teeth-licking, can also cause dental misalignment.
Due to insufficient alveolar bone space, many children inevitably require tooth extraction during orthodontic treatment. Parents often ask: "Will tooth extraction harm my child's intelligence? Will it cause surrounding teeth to loosen?"
Experts clarify that each tooth functions as an independent organ. Removing supernumerary teeth does not damage adjacent teeth nor affect intelligence.Moreover, removing extra teeth creates sufficient space for the remaining teeth to grow. After a period of correction, the remaining teeth can align properly, resulting in a straight, gap-free smile.
Orthodontic treatment not only improves dental aesthetics but can also transform one's appearance.Taiwanese celebrity Xiao S is a well-known example of someone who wore braces. She even published a book documenting her orthodontic journey. After straightening her teeth, she not only became increasingly beautiful but also saw her career take off smoothly.When first wearing braces, children may experience some discomfort, but they usually adapt within a month. Therefore, scheduling orthodontic treatment during school breaks when academic pressure is lighter can help children navigate this adjustment period more smoothly.