Child Orthodontics
What is children’s orthodontics?
Our primary objective is to evaluate and monitor your child's growth and development and then, coordinate and align treatment with the needs. In most cases we utilize the orthodontists in our local area and make referrals to them as necessary.
What to Expect
Infant Frenectomy
The days and weeks following your baby's frenectomy can be a mix of relief and worry. It's normal to have questions about how your baby will recover. Knowing what to expect and how to care for them will help you feel more confident.
The First 24 Hours
- Managing Pain and Discomfort: Your pediatric dentist will likely suggest pain relief such as infant acetaminophen/ibuprofen. Follow the recommended dosage instructions. Gently using cold compresses on the area can also reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Monitoring Bleeding: It's normal for a bit of bleeding to occur. If needed, use gauze pads to apply gentle pressure. If bleeding continues or seems excessive, contact your pediatric dentist immediately.
Feeding Your Baby
- Breastfeeding Adjustments: Breastfeeding might be challenging initially as your baby adjusts to their improved mouth movement. Patience is important. Consult a lactation consultant if needed for comfortable positions and techniques.
- Bottle Feeding: If you're bottle-feeding, make sure the nipple flow matches your baby's new sucking abilities. Some babies may prefer a different flow speed post-surgery.
Oral Exercises and Stretching
To prevent the frenulum from reattaching and to promote healing, your pediatric dentist will recommend specific oral exercises. These will include gently lifting and moving the tongue several times a day. Following these exercises as prescribed is crucial for a successful recovery. Frenectomy Aftercare
Signs of Successful Healing
- Improved Feeding: One of the main goals of the frenectomy is to enhance feeding. You may notice better latching, more efficient feeding, and steady weight gain in your baby.
- Less Irritability: As feeding becomes easier and less painful, many parents see a decrease in their baby's fussiness and irritability.
Potential Complications and When to Seek Help
- Signs of Infection: Infections are rare but watch for fever and/or increased redness, swelling, or actual pus (wound sometimes looks white or yellow) near the surgical site. Call our office for any of the following:
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Refusal to nurse or take a bottle
- Fever >101.5
- Reattachment: Sometimes, the frenulum can reattach if post-surgery exercises aren't done correctly. If feeding problems return, contact your pediatric dentist.
Long-term Benefits of a Frenectomy
- Enhanced Oral Development: Proper tongue movement is crucial for speech and oral health. Addressing tongue-tie or lip-tie early can prevent future issues.
- Improved Quality of Life: Resolving feeding issues through a frenectomy can significantly improve bonding and overall well-being for both parents and babies.
Caring for Your Baby
Navigating the post-frenectomy period might seem overwhelming, but with knowledge and support, you can provide a smooth recovery. Stay connected with your pediatric dentist at Dance Dentistry for Kids with any concerns.
How it works: The children’s orthodontics process
Consultation
At any dental visit, your provider dentist will determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary and beneficial for your child. First, your provider will examine your child’s jaw, dental arches, and teeth to check for early signs of gaps, crowding, and misalignment. They will also address all oral habits like nail biting, tongue thrusting, and thumb sucking. Your provider pediatric dentist will be sure to share helpful flossing and brushing techniques to ensure good oral hygiene and a successful treatment outcome for your little one.
Appliance Placement or Extraction Treatment
After gathering data and deciding on the best orthodontic treatment for your child, your pediatric dentist or orthodontist that we are working with will securely place either a custom dental appliance into your child’s mouth or administer tooth extractions. Once your child’s dental appliance is securely fixed, your provider will check for proper fit to ensure maximum comfort.
Impressions and Digital Imaging
Your pediatric dentist will then take a series of x-rays and impressions or models to document your child’s facial profile as well as any tooth or bite issues to determine if extractions or removable appliances will be necessary, such as a space maintainer, palatal expander, or limited braces. Each case is unique, so while some children benefit from a device used to maintain or move teeth and jaw positions, others see better results when some baby teeth are removed.
Next Steps
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your child’s provider every 4-8 weeks to monitor progress. Children’s orthodontic treatment can be completed in 12-18 months or less, so your child can enjoy a strong, healthy smile for life.
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The types of children's orthodontics
Space Maintainer
A space maintainer is a custom-made dental piece, which allows ample room for your child’s permanent tooth to erupt and properly come into place. Made of either acrylic or metal material, this appliance can be removable or cemented in your child's mouth.
Palatal Expander
Palatal expanders are metal orthodontic appliances placed on the roof of your child’s mouth to widen the palate over time. These appliances expand narrow palates while aligning the upper teeth and jaw before it fully develops.
Braces
Made of medical-grade stainless steel brackets and archwires, braces apply pressure to your child’s misaligned teeth, creating a strong straight smile over time.
Orthodontic Referrals
We prioritize ensuring that your child receives the best possible care, which is why we collaborate closely with trusted orthodontists when more complex orthodontic treatment is needed. While we are not orthodontists, we play an important role in your child's early development, helping to guide growth and perform simpler treatments like appliance therapy and extractions when appropriate. By working together with specialists, we ensure that your child’s orthodontic care is handled by trusted experts, giving you peace of mind that they’re in the best hands at every stage of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
Did you know…
Children’s orthodontics may reduce the need to pull permanent teeth in the future.