Why do we need orthodontic treatment for children at Lake Haven?
Visiting your local dentist regularly is the only way to know if your child’s teeth and jaws are developing properly. The sooner your dentist spots a problem, the sooner treatment can begin and oral health problems can be addressed.
At Advance Family Dental, we take a holistic and preventative approach to children’s orthodontics in Lake Haven, which is why we prefer to see kids sooner rather than later.
How soon should I book my child for an orthodontic appointment?
Generally speaking, Orthodontics Australia recommends that children between the ages of seven and ten visit an orthodontic dentist for a consultation. Most kids want to achieve that stunning smile as soon as possible, and in reality, there’s no “best” age to undergo orthodontic treatment.
In the end, it depends on the issue at hand and the urgency of treatment.
As for general dentist appointments, we recommend making your little one’s first appointment around six months old. If required, orthodontic treatment can begin before your child’s adult teeth erupt — this is especially important for infants who are prone to sucking their thumb or a dummy.
How do I know if my child needs braces?
The only real way to know if your child needs braces is to visit your local dentist. However, there are a few key symptoms you can look out for as a parent — for example, if your child’s baby teeth might fall out earlier or later than normal, your child vigorously sucks their thumb or your child has speech troubles, you should book an appointment with your dentist to address the problem.
Early intervention and professional dental care can prevent further tooth and jaw problems in the future.
Likewise, there’s isn’t an ideal age for your child to get braces. It varies from patient to patient. However, it’s important to note that oral developmental problems can start occurring around the age of seven years old and we recommend booking your child in for an appointment before or when their adult teeth start coming in.
If braces are required, we generally won’t fit them until they’re 11-years-old when their adult teeth have emerged. For more information, contact us for more information about children’s dentistry and orthodontics in Lake Haven. We can book your child in for a consultation and take a closer look at their teeth, jaws and gums.
How does orthodontic treatment for children in Lake Haven work?
If required, we will recommend braces to correct your child’s misaligned teeth or jaws.
Children’s braces work by putting pressure on the teeth over a long period of time, encouraging the teeth to slowly move into the correct position. Kids braces (like most braces) are made up of two main elements: brackets and wires. The brackets are fixed to the surface of the teeth and wire is then attached to the brackets. These are held together using rubber bands.
Over time, your dentist will tighten the wires to move the teeth into place.
We know lots of kids are self-conscious about getting braces, but there are lots of benefits to getting braces! For one, braces will lead to a near-perfect smile — all you need is patience and perseverance. Plus, you can add your favourite colours to your braces. Each time your child visits the dentist, they can have the colours swapped out.
Think rainbow braces, festive colours for the holidays (like red and green for Christmas), team colours or, if they want their braces to blend in, we offer white and clear options to make braces disappear into their smile.
For older patients (like teens), we might also recommend Invisalign. Generally speaking, Invisalign is more suited to patients with less complicated dental problems like a few misaligned teeth. Braces are recommended for more complicated problems and jaw misalignments, but for minor treatments, Invisalign is an appropriate treatment option.
Invisalign features a clear plastic retainer that gently pulls the teeth into place over time. Without the brackets and wires, Invisalign blends seamlessly into your teen’s natural teeth and almost disappears completely! Over time, your dentist will create new retainers to help keep the treatment moving along and move the teeth into place.
The only downfall: your teenager will need to be vigilant in wearing their retainer almost all day, every day, except when eating or brushing their teeth. It’s important to keep on top of Invisalign treatment, otherwise, it will not be as effective as it possibly could be.
For more information about potential children’s dentistry and orthodontics in Lake Haven, contact our team on (02) 4392 9911 today.
FAQs
Will my child require dental surgery?
In most cases, orthodontic treatment does not require dental surgery. However, some children may have conditions that require additional procedures, such as palate expansion or the removal of impacted teeth.
Your dentist will assess your child’s unique needs and explain if surgery is necessary to achieve the best results. Any potential surgical procedures will be thoroughly discussed in advance.
My child suffers from dental anxiety. What can you do to help?
We understand that dental anxiety is common among children, and we take steps to ensure they feel as comfortable as possible.
Our team is trained to work with anxious children, providing a calm and welcoming environment. We offer various relaxation techniques, gentle communication, and, if necessary, sedation options to help ease your child’s fear and make their orthodontic visits as stress-free as possible.
Do you accept private health funds?
Yes, we accept most major health funds. We can help you process your claims through HICAPS for on-the-spot rebates, making it easier for you to claim the benefits directly during your visit. It’s recommended to check with your health fund provider for details on specific coverage related to orthodontic treatment.
Will my child need multiple dental appointments or treatments?
Yes, orthodontic treatment typically requires multiple dental appointments over a period of time. Your child will need to visit the dentist for initial assessments, ongoing adjustments, and progress checks throughout their dental treatments.
The number of appointments will depend on the case’s complexity, but regular visits are necessary to ensure the braces or aligners are working effectively and to make any adjustments required to achieve the best outcome.
Do you offer cosmetic dentistry for teens?
Yes, we offer cosmetic dentistry options for children and teens, tailored to their unique dental needs. While orthodontic treatment is the primary focus for improving alignment and bite, we also provide cosmetic services such as teeth whitening for teens and veneers if needed. These treatments help improve the appearance of your child’s smile while ensuring they maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Book an appointment with our dentists today!
At Advance Family Dental, we offer some of the best children’s dental orthodontics in Lake Haven, Gorokan, Kanwal and the Greater Central Coast. With a gentle, preventative approach to children’s orthodontics, we can address your child’s misaligned teeth and bite problems quickly, effectively and affordably, setting them on a journey to the smile they’ve always wanted.
Get in touch with our friendly reception team via (02) 4392 9911 for children’s orthodontics at Lake Haven today. Conveniently located in the Lake Haven shopping precinct, we have plenty of parking available and offer early morning and evening appointments to suit your schedule.
