INNOVATIVE PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTICS FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTICS?
Pediatric orthodontics focuses on preventing and treating dental and jaw misalignments in children. These often cause chronic health problems (e.g., digestive issues due to poor chewing function, posture problems resulting in back pain, misaligned jaws, tension-related headaches, etc.).
For example, protruding teeth are especially vulnerable to injury from falls or impacts. Crowded teeth are difficult to clean, potentially leading to cavities and gum disease. A deep bite can damage the tooth-supporting structures. Incorrect bite function (e.g., crossbite) may cause facial asymmetry and imbalance throughout the body. Early detection and correction of these misalignments are therefore particularly important for children. Due to these factors, orthodontists must always take a holistic view—something we strive to achieve at KU64 through our comprehensive therapeutic concept.
WHEN IS ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT NECESSARY FOR YOUR CHILD?
Only a dentist or orthodontist can determine whether orthodontic treatment is necessary. For diagnosis, a complete medical and dental history, clinical examination, dental impressions, specialized X-rays, and photographs are required. Based on this information, the orthodontist or pediatric dentist can decide whether orthodontic treatment is advisable and, if so, develop the appropriate treatment plan.
ORTHODONTICS FOR PRIMARY (BABY) TEETH:
Indications at this stage include open bites caused by thumb-sucking that impair biting function, crossbites that could inhibit jaw growth, premature loss of baby teeth, and severe crowding preventing permanent teeth from growing properly. Simple, typically removable appliances worn by children in the afternoon and at night can have significant positive effects, improve body posture (see also holistic orthodontics), and thus enhance your child’s well-being. Typically, active plates and functional orthodontic appliances are used.
Removable appliances (also called functional orthodontic devices) include:
the Activator for protruding lower jaws (Class III),
the Bionator for receding lower jaws, deep bites, or open bites,
the Elastically-Open Activator (EOA) for open bites,
and the Fränkel Functional Regulator III (FR III) for prognathism (lower jaw protrudes beyond upper jaw).
All four appliances help correct growth anomalies and jaw misalignments during developmental stages.
However, when using removable orthodontic appliances, cooperation and support from parents are often necessary to ensure consistent use by the child.
ORTHODONTICS DURING THE MIXED DENTITION PHASE:
In most cases, starting orthodontic treatment (fixed or removable appliances, such as Invisalign) at the onset of the second tooth eruption—usually around the age of 9–10—is sufficient. At this time, an examination by our specialists is recommended to determine the most suitable treatment. The goal is to create space for all permanent teeth, establish the correct alignment between jaws to prevent temporomandibular joint issues and back pain, and position all permanent teeth correctly in the jawbone.
Proper aesthetics naturally result from achieving correct function. Here, we use removable braces, functional orthodontic devices, fixed appliances placed either internally (Incognito) or externally, and transparent aligners (Invisalign).
IF YOUR CHILD SHOWS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING MISALIGNMENTS, PARENTS SHOULD SEEK AN ORTHODONTIC EVALUATION:
Overbite – Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth.
Underbite – Lower teeth are positioned too far forward, or upper teeth too far back.
Open bite – A gap between the edges of the front teeth and/or the chewing surfaces of the back teeth when biting together.
Misaligned midline – The centers of the upper and lower front teeth do not align.
Spacing – Gaps or spaces due to missing teeth or teeth not occupying the entire jaw.
Crowding – Insufficient space in the jaw ridge for all teeth.
EVERYTHING FOR A HEALTHY CHILD'S SMILE!
Every set of teeth is as unique as its owner. Thus, an individualized, tailored treatment plan and parental involvement are essential for successful treatment. Regular training and further education of our orthodontists and practice team guarantee expertise at the highest level and orthodontic treatments (including innovative methods like Incognito or Invisalign) that consider the whole person.
HOW DOES THE TREATMENT PROCESS WORK IN PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTICS?
Many different appliances—both fixed and removable—can gently apply pressure to jaws and teeth, reposition teeth, retrain muscles, and influence jaw growth. Based on the type and severity of the problem, we determine which orthodontic treatment offers the greatest likelihood of success. A fixed appliance, such as a multi-bracket apparatus consisting of brackets, bands, or wires, may be used. Bands are attached to teeth and act as anchors, while brackets are typically bonded to the front surfaces of teeth.
ORTHODONTICS AND SPEECH THERAPY
Orthodontic treatment can be accompanied by speech therapy to harmonize tongue and muscle functions, or osteopathic treatment to positively influence bodily dysfunction, fascial tension, and postural issues.
EXPERTISE AT ITS BEST
Our dental specialists engage in continuous communication to create the optimal treatment plan for your child. Patients benefit from our unique concept of short pathways, excellent coordination among colleagues, and state-of-the-art technology. Advances in techniques and materials have enabled nearly metal-free and invisible braces, naturally used at KU64. We exclusively use tested, biocompatible materials and provide extended guarantees, far exceeding industry standards.
EVERYTHING UNDER ONE ROOF
Our in-house, experienced dental lab ensures the highest quality and biocompatible materials.
Get in touch! Dr. Isabella Piekos, specialist orthodontist and dentist for holistic orthodontics and osteopathy, is pleased to advise you about all orthodontic treatments we offer at our practice!