Bite Correction for Children and Teens

In modern orthodontics, there are many effective, well-proven methods for correcting bite problems in children. Most issues related to malocclusion can be successfully diagnosed and treated if the child sees an orthodontist before the age of 5 or 6.

Unfortunately, many parents bring their children to the dentist only after some permanent teeth have already erupted incorrectly. But at an early age, correcting malocclusions — such as mesial, deep, open, distal, or crossbite — is far more effective.

That’s why waiting until your child grows older or until baby teeth are fully replaced by permanent teeth is not recommended when clear bite problems are already present.

When to Start Correcting a Child’s Bite

To fix misaligned teeth or incorrect bites, a pediatric orthodontist should address the following:

• What is the specific cause of irregular bite in this child’s case?

• How to stop further development of the problem when it is noticed early — during tooth eruption and bite formation

• How to move teeth gently

• How to speed up tooth movement

• What treatment method will be most effective and comfortable, and at what age it’s best to start

• How improving the child’s bite can also enhance appearance

• How to maintain the stability of the treatment result and the health of teeth

Diagnostics and Examination

• Detailed conversation with parents about how long the problem has been present, the child’s growth and development, and harmful habits (pacifier use, thumb or finger sucking, tongue thrusting, etc.)

• Visual assessment (including photos) of the child’s face frontally and in profile, condition of soft tissues (symmetry of facial folds, muscle tension), position of teeth and alignment of dental arches.

• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to show the state of teeth and bone structures in three perpendicular planes with high precision (up to 0.1 mm). CBCT helps determine the thickness of bone tissue around misaligned teeth and avoid complications during tooth movement. CBCT also reveals hidden pathologies that may not be seen on single-projection images like either panoramic X-rays or standard cephalograms.

Methods of Bite Correction for Children: Plates, Trainers, Space Maintainers

At Dental Fantasy we offer many modern and effective bite correction methods for children:

• Removable plates («plates»)
• Trainers
• Space maintainers
• Fixed appliances for upper jaw expansion (Ross appliance)
• Haas appliance for upper jaw expansion
• Custom aligners and many other devices

These methods make it possible to correct bites even before adolescence and reduce the time needed for braces treatment later.

In many cases, early treatment and removal of harmful habits make it possible to finish treatment before the full change of the baby teeth. The adolescent enters their teen years without complexes, with a confident, healthy smile.

Orthodontic Treatment & Home Care: Using the Irrigator Correctly

If your child has a plate, fixed appliance, or braces, or needs a trainer, follow the recommendations of our orthodontists.