Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry specialising in correcting the bite and the shape of the teeth. It is one of the longest forms of treatment.

Paediatric orthodontists working in Swiss clinics do everything possible to ensure that the patients who visit them achieve the best results.

The main branch of dentistry is, of course, restorative dentistry, which includes paediatric restorative dentistry as a sub-field, since the treatment of children’s conditions has its own specific features.

Paediatric dentistry mainly specialises in procedures such as reshaping the frenula of the lips and tongue, which enable children to develop a correct bite. It is worth noting that modern paediatric oral surgery uses inhalation anaesthesia.

Dental treatment in children is quite specific. All forms of dental treatment for young patients are therefore grouped together in one large field: paediatric dentistry.

Its task is the prevention and treatment of problems with milk teeth and the monitoring of bite development. The paediatric orthodontist’s responsibilities also include preparing children psychologically and teaching them the rules of hygiene and tooth brushing.

The most common problems in children:

  • common respiratory illnesses that make nasal breathing difficult. If a child breathes through the mouth most of the time, the upper jaw takes on an irregular shape that blocks the growth of the lower jaw and creates a malocclusion.
  • early removal of milk teeth before the permanent teeth have erupted. Teeth always tend to fill empty space in the dental arch, so a special appliance needs to be fitted to preserve the space of the milk teeth.

Put simply, a milk tooth should fall out by the time the fully formed permanent tooth appears. If a milk tooth has been removed because of decay or disease, the permanent tooth will not immediately take its place. In this situation, the gap left by the milk tooth begins to be taken up by other teeth, which shift and distort the row.

The tasks of a paediatric orthodontist

A visit to the orthodontist need not end with braces. Few people know about so-called appliance-free treatment. This may include gum massage and breaking bad habits such as sucking objects or biting the lips. The orthodontist also treats caries, removes misaligned teeth and even corrects posture. These methods are often used for very young patients.

Prevention tips for young patients:

  • Teeth need care – brush them properly every day;
  • It is important to watch the diet (reduce sweets where necessary);
  • It is also important to treat milk teeth so that they stay in place for as long as needed;
  • It is right to break sucking or chewing habits in childhood, to breathe properly through the nose rather than the mouth and to do special exercises – myofunctional therapy.

The main role of a paediatric orthodontist is to detect bite problems in a child at an early stage and to prevent serious problems with the teeth and jaw from developing.

How to choose a dental clinic

It is important to approach the choice of clinic and paediatric orthodontist seriously. To make the right choice, consider the following points:

  • the doctor’s qualifications – it is important that the doctor specialises in paediatric dentistry.
  • cost – a true specialist’s fees will not be below average, yet there is no need to seek out the most expensive clinics either, as the ratio of price to service may not live up to your expectations.
  • equipment – a dental clinic should be fitted with modern, high-quality equipment and technology.