Orthodontic Evaluation and Space Maintainers in Children

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Orthodontic Evaluation

Orthodontics is the science of correcting irregularities in teeth and jaws. Orthodontic evaluation in children is an examination performed to early diagnose and treat potential problems during the growth and development of teeth and jaws. In this way, the formation of more serious problems can be prevented.

Why Is Orthodontic Evaluation Important?

Early diagnosis: Regular check-ups performed during childhood help in the early diagnosis of tooth and jaw problems.
Shortening the treatment process: Treatments started early usually take a shorter time and give more successful results.
Increased self-confidence: Properly aligned teeth increase the child’s self-confidence.
Oral health: Irregular teeth create areas that are difficult to clean, paving the way for caries and gum diseases. This risk is reduced with orthodontic treatment.

When Should Orthodontic Evaluation Be Performed in Children?

First tooth eruption: It is important to take the child to the dentist when the first deciduous tooth erupts.
2.5–3 years old: A dentist should be consulted for a general oral health check.
6 years old: It should be evaluated by an orthodontist when permanent teeth begin to erupt.

Orthodontic Treatment in Children

Early Treatment

Many problems such as jaw protrusion and narrowness, if diagnosed early by an orthodontist, can be treated much more simply and economically.

The importance of early treatment and the question of “When to start orthodontics?” are among the topics that many people are looking for answers to. Although orthodontic treatment can be applied to patients of all ages, early treatment has several advantages for the patient. For this reason, it is more beneficial to have the first orthodontic examination at the age recommended by the orthodontist.

Advantages of Early Treatment

Early detection of most orthodontic problems offers several advantages in terms of solving the problem. With the early detection of the problem, the problem can be solved in a much shorter time. On the other hand, early diagnosis of the problem and starting treatment by intervening in time may allow the completion of orthodontic treatment in a much more economical way.

At What Age Should Orthodontic Treatment Begin?

It is of great importance that the orthodontic examination is done by the age of 7. The American Association of Orthodontics also recommends that children undergo an orthodontic check-up before the age of 7.

Thanks to the check-ups performed at these ages, problems in jaw and tooth development can be noticed early while the child still has deciduous teeth in their mouth. In this way, the treatment of orthodontic problems detected early can be done much easier.

While active treatment of many orthodontic patients begins between the ages of 9 and 14, skeletal disorders can be resolved before the child’s growth period is over. After the first orthodontic examination, the presence of jaw narrowness, jaw protrusion and jaw retrusion, and the presence of space deficiency problem due to early loss of deciduous teeth can be examined.

Treatment of people with problems such as finger sucking, mouth breathing and tongue thrust can also be started early. Thus, problems that can be solved with surgery in the future can be solved with the use of only simple appliances.

Situations Requiring Orthodontic Treatment in Children

Gaps between teeth: May occur due to genetic factors or early tooth loss and may affect chewing efficiency.
Malocclusion (crooked teeth): Misalignment of upper and lower teeth can lead to various dental and jaw problems.
Mouth breathing: Prolonged mouth breathing can negatively affect tooth and jaw development.
Early or late loss of deciduous teeth: Can affect the placement of permanent teeth and jaw development.
Incorrect swallowing or tongue thrust: These situations can cause the teeth to be pushed forward and cause misalignment.

Early Warning Signs of the Need for Orthodontic Treatment

Finger sucking, prolonged bottle or pacifier use: These habits can disrupt the natural development of the teeth and jaw, leading to orthodontic problems.
Cheek or lip biting: An abnormal bite structure can cause constant biting of the cheeks or lips, which can be a sign of misaligned teeth or a misaligned jaw.
Incompatibility in face and jaw structure: Incompatibility in the appearance of teeth, lips, jaw and other facial features may be an indication of underlying orthodontic problems.

What Are Space Maintainers?

Space maintainers are an important treatment method applied in cases of early tooth loss in children. When deciduous teeth are lost early, the lateral teeth may shift into the space, leaving insufficient space for the permanent tooth to erupt. Space maintainers are special appliances used to preserve this space and ensure that the permanent tooth erupts in the correct position.

By ensuring the correct alignment of the teeth, it supports jawbone development and prevents speech problems. If your child has early tooth loss, you should definitely see a dentist.

Benefits of Space Maintainers

Protection of the space: Provides adequate space for the permanent tooth to erupt.
Correct alignment of teeth: Prevents adjacent teeth from shifting and ensures the proper positioning of permanent teeth.
Supporting jawbone development: The tooth root supports the jawbone. Early tooth loss can negatively affect jawbone development.
Prevention of future treatments: Reduces the likelihood of needing more comprehensive orthodontic treatments.
Prevention of speech problems: Especially in anterior tooth loss, prevents speech-related issues.

Types of Space Maintainers

Fixed space maintainers: Appliances that are attached to the teeth and are difficult to remove. Generally preferred in single tooth loss or in young children.
Removable space maintainers: Appliances that can be removed by the child, usually made of plastic. Preferred in case of loss of more than one tooth or in older children.

Advantages of Space Maintainers

Aesthetic appearance: Modern space maintainers generally have an aesthetic appearance as they are tooth-colored.
Comfortable use: Most children get used to space maintainers in a short time and do not experience any discomfort while using them. Especially fixed space maintainers are appliances that protect the space of the missing tooth with a band around one tooth and a metal extension extending towards the anterior tooth.
Effective treatment: Space maintainers effectively solve the problems that occur after tooth loss.

Application of Space Maintainers

Space maintainer application is done by the dentist. First, the situation is evaluated with an intraoral examination and X-ray. Then, a space maintainer suitable for the child’s mouth is prepared and glued or attached to the teeth.

Maintenance of Space Maintainers

The life and effectiveness of the space maintainer can be extended with regular maintenance. The space maintainer should be cleaned as recommended by the dentist and checked regularly. At this stage, it is important for the mother and father to check and guide the child.