Why does he have to wear it earlier?
It is the first consultation, recommended around the age of 5, 6 or 7, which will determine whether or not the child needs orthodontic treatment. Certain signs are sought, such as a misalignment of the jaws or a lack of symmetry. If the upper teeth are very advanced, if the lower jaw does not coincide perfectly with the upper one, or if there is a gap between the upper and lower teeth, an orthodontic correction is necessary. This is also true if the child has insufficient development of the jaws causing a lack of space. The important thing is then to act at the right time in relation to growth, in order to prevent the situation from getting worse.
What device types are possible?
The devices can be fixed or removable. They are worn over a period of 6 to 12 months depending on the importance of the anomaly. In the case of a shift with a lower jaw too far forward, we use mini-plates screwed at the top and bottom (by means of a surgical procedure) and connected by elastic bands. For very advanced teeth (risk of breakage), a false palate can be put in place. It is often fitted with a system resting behind the head. The child can eat and sleep with it. The incisors return to a correct position in a few months. Same result with the circuit breaker to widen a jaw that is too narrow. This device is fixed by means of brackets that completely surround the teeth. This has the advantage of being effective 24 hours a day!
How do the children react?
It’s easier with the little ones. Much more than the teenager, the young child is often “wrapped” and opposes no resistance to the installation of a brace. Beforehand, we inform and reassure him by insisting on the fact that the treatment is not painful.
What advice for parents?
Remember to observe your child’s mouth! The appearance of an anomaly should encourage you to consult a dentist. In general, a jaw shift must be treated early, between 6 and 10 years old. Teeth alignment can wait until the age of 12. As for anomalies of genetic origin (a family of prognaths, “chin forward”), it is often later. And it’s still quite tricky to deal with.
How is the follow-up going?
The orthodontist follows the child for an appointment every 4 to 8 weeks. He particularly monitors facial growth, which may or may not require another phase of treatment in adolescence. All devices aim at functional and skeletal harmonization. Their benefit is therefore on the one hand to ensure a good masticatory and respiratory function, on the other hand to allow harmonious growth.
Refund side…
Social Security pays for any treatment started before the child’s 16th birthday, and no longer their 12th as in the past. This amounts to reimbursing three years of care in total. Early treatments must remain short-lived so as not to damage this capital too much.
Our expert
Dr Emmanuel Frèrejouand, orthodontist and member of the French Federation of Orthodontics
Read also:
Orthodontics for adults: what techniques, what cost?
Dental health: children’s good resolutions
Orthodontics: how to limit the risk of cavities
