Expert orthodontic care for children

Overview of orthodontic treatment

• Your child’s need for orthodontic treatment is assessed. In some cases, it’s possible to identify that a child will need orthodontic intervention as early as 8 or 9 years old, although treatment usually won’t begin until they reach their pre-teens.
• Once orthodontic treatment begins, impressions, photographs and x-rays will be taken to help your orthodontist determine the way that your child’s teeth and jaw need to be altered to bring them into alignment. At IKON, we have invested in technology that enables us to take digital x-rays and impressions, which makes the process more pleasant for your child. Imaging in this way is also more accurate, meaning greater precision in your child’s treatment.
• If your child is having conventional braces, these will be applied. Brackets are bonded to individual teeth and wires clip onto them that gently apply force to guide the teeth and jaw into position. In some instances, elastic bands will also be applied to the braces as part of the treatment process.
• Your orthodontist will explain to your child how to care for their braces during treatment. This will involve adapting their diet to avoid certain hard, sticky or chewy foods, and maintaining good oral hygiene habits. It’s particularly tricky to brush and floss teeth when wearing a brace, so your orthodontist will tell your child the best techniques.
• You’ll need to take your child for regular visits for check-ups and adjustments. Exactly how long treatment will take will depend on the extent of the work that needs to be done to correct your child’s teeth and jaw. However, most orthodontic braces are worn for between 12 and 24 months.