Orthodontics for Children – A Parent’s Guide
When you think of children’s orthodontics, traditional braces might be the first thing that comes to mind. However, contemporary pediatric orthodontics offers a variety of alternatives to ensure your child’s dental health and overall well-being. Modern orthodontic care extends beyond merely straightening teeth. It focuses on fostering proper jaw growth, encouraging healthy airway development, and supporting long-term oral health.
At Synergy Dental, with locations in Gillette, WY and Sturgis, SD, we believe that early orthodontic treatment leads to the best outcomes. By addressing growth and functional concerns at an early age, your child may avoid the need for more invasive procedures later in life. This comprehensive guide explores the orthodontic alternatives available, how they function, and why timing is so critical.
Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Matters
Orthodontics is about more than appearance. A healthy smile is supported by a strong foundation of jaw growth, oral posture, and airway function. These are all factors that should be considered well before all the permanent teeth come in.
Baby Molars as a Milestone
Baby molars are not just temporary teeth. Their arrival marks a pivotal stage in a child’s oral development. Once these teeth erupt, children may become candidates for early orthodontic intervention. At this stage, guidance can begin to shape the dental arches and create space for permanent teeth.
The Benefits of Early Guidance
When orthodontic treatment begins early, children are less likely to require multiple or complex treatment phases later in life. Guiding growth at the right time may prevent problems such as crowding, bite imbalances, or airway restrictions.
Health Beyond the Smile
Proper jaw development and airway growth have an impact on a child’s overall health. Early orthodontics can improve sleep quality, support clearer speech, and encourage healthier breathing patterns. Addressing these issues early helps set the stage for lifelong wellness.
At Synergy Dental, we recommend early evaluations so that parents can understand their child’s needs and take advantage of treatment opportunities when they matter most.
Orthodontic Alternatives We Offer
We understand that every child is different. That is why we provide a variety of options beyond traditional braces. These treatments are designed to match your child’s stage of development, their growth potential, and the family’s goals.
Arch Development and Crozat Appliances
Crozat appliances are gentle, removable devices that guide the natural growth of a child’s jaws and arches. Unlike braces, they do not just move teeth into position. Instead, they encourage the jaws to grow in a forward direction that supports proper alignment and space for permanent teeth. These appliances do not retract or pull back the arches, but instead focus exclusively on forward growth.
When can treatment begin?
Crozat appliances can often be used as soon as the baby molars have erupted. The earlier treatment begins, the more influence we have on jaw and arch development.
Benefits of Crozat appliances:
- Promote natural spacing for permanent teeth
- Encourage forward and balanced jaw growth
- Reduce the likelihood of future treatment phases
- Comfortable, removable, and easy for young children to manage
For many families, Crozat appliances are a proactive way to reduce the chance of complex orthodontic needs later. Early use can even minimize the need for braces down the road.
Read more about Arch Development and Crozat Appliances
Invisalign and Clear Aligners
Clear aligners have transformed orthodontic treatment for older children and teens. Invisalign uses a series of transparent trays that fit snugly over the teeth and gradually shift them into alignment.
Why parents and teens love Invisalign:
- Nearly invisible, which helps children feel more confident
- Comfortable design that avoids wires and brackets
- Removable for meals, sports, and brushing
- Requires fewer office visits than traditional braces
- Effective for many types of bite and alignment issues
Although Invisalign is not ideal for very young children, it can be a perfect option for pre-teens and teenagers once most of the permanent teeth have grown in.
Read more about Invisalign and Clear Aligners
Orthotropics & Growth Guided Orthodontics
Orthotropics is an approach that looks beyond straight teeth. It focuses on guiding the growth of the jaws and face to achieve better function and health. This method emphasizes oral posture, airway development, and proper alignment of the jaws.
What makes orthotropics unique?
- It addresses the root cause of poor jaw growth rather than only the symptoms
- The goal is long-term improvement in facial structure and airway health
- It is best for younger children who are still in active growth phases
Important points for families:
- Consistency is key. Appliances must be worn as prescribed for the treatment to work
- Parental support is vital. Families must be involved in the process
- Timing matters. Orthotropics is most effective when started at the right age
Orthotropics can produce profound changes, but it requires dedication from both children and their parents.
Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy is a series of exercises designed to retrain the tongue and oral muscles to function correctly. It is often used alongside orthodontic treatments to improve outcomes and support stability.
What issues can it help?
- Mouth breathing
- Tongue thrusting
- Poor swallowing habits
- Speech difficulties
- Improper tongue posture
Benefits of myofunctional therapy:
- Encourages nasal breathing
- Improves sleep quality and speech clarity
- Supports proper jaw growth
- Strengthens orthodontic results
At Synergy Dental, myofunctional therapy is provided through a structured program. Sessions are scheduled every other week for a total of 12 visits, spanning about 24 weeks. For added convenience, these sessions can also be conducted remotely through WhatsApp, making therapy accessible even for busy families.
We are proud to offer access to two licensed myofunctional therapists. One is available in our Gillette office and one in our Sturgis office, giving families in both locations the opportunity to include this important therapy in their child’s treatment.
Choosing the Right Path for Your Child
Every child’s orthodontic journey is unique. That is why we start with a personalized evaluation. During the consultation, we assess:
- Age and stage of growth
- Development of the jaws and arches
- Oral posture and breathing patterns
- Family readiness to support treatment at home
From this information, we recommend the approach that best fits your child. The plan may include early arch development, myofunctional therapy, orthotropics, or Invisalign in later stages.
By creating a tailored plan, we ensure that each child receives the treatment that aligns with their needs and sets them up for long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Orthodontics
What is the best age for my child’s first orthodontic visit?
We recommend that children have an orthodontic evaluation as early as age five. By this age, the first permanent molars and incisors may begin to appear, which allows us to identify potential concerns early. Evaluations at this stage can help prevent more complex treatment later.
Can my child avoid braces if treatment starts early?
In some cases, yes. Early treatments like Crozat appliances and orthotropics can reduce the need for braces or make later orthodontics shorter and simpler.
Does my child really need orthodontic treatment if their teeth look straight?
Even if teeth appear straight, underlying jaw or airway issues may still exist. Early evaluation ensures that hidden concerns are not overlooked.
Is myofunctional therapy a replacement for braces?
Not necessarily. Myofunctional therapy supports muscle and posture function, which complements orthodontic treatment. It is often used alongside other therapies to improve stability and long-term outcomes.
How long does treatment usually last?
It depends on the type of therapy and the child’s growth. Some treatments may last only months, while others continue for several years with follow-up and guidance.
Does my family need to be patients at Synergy Dental to be seen for orthodontic treatment?
Yes. To ensure comprehensive care, children must be active patients at our practice. This means coming in for routine cleanings every six months and yearly exams, which helps us monitor growth and oral health consistently.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Addressing orthodontic concerns early makes treatment simpler and more effective. If you are exploring alternatives to braces or want to give your child the best foundation for oral health, now is the perfect time for an evaluation.
Contact Synergy Dental in Gillette, WY or Sturgis, SD today to schedule your child’s consultation and learn which orthodontic treatment option is right for them.