CHILDREN'S ORTHODONTICS
ABOUT CHILDREN’S ORTHODONTICS
Early Interceptive and Orthopaedic Orthodontics
Dr Biju Krishnan has undertaken extensive training in treating children while they are still growing and still have their first set of teeth present.
This type of orthodontic treatment is known by several terms such as:
- Early Interceptive Orthodontics
- Functional Orthodontics
- Myofunctional Orthodontics
- Orthopaedic Orthodontics
- Dentofacial Orthopaedics
- Orthotropics
Advantages of Early Treatment
Traditional orthodontics like braces focus mainly on straightening the teeth, whereas early interceptive orthodontic techniques not only straighten teeth, but they also help to guide facial development through the use of functional appliances and help promote correct nasal breathing and swallowing patterns.
From as early as age 4 or 5, it is possible to detect how a child’s face is growing, and early treatment can help address issues such as:
- Narrow jaws
- Crowded teeth
- Underdeveloped jaws
- Breathing/airway problems
- Bite problems
- Deep overbites
- Thumb/finger sucking habits
- Jaw joint problems
Treatment is usually divided into 2 phases.
Phase 1 – This is ideally carried out during the growth of the child and is aimed at encouraging the jaws to grow to their optimum size and position. Not just to allow enough room for the adult teeth to come into the mouth, but the following advantages have also been reported:
- An improved profile
- Helps children with breathing through the nose instead of through the mouth
- Improved speech
- Relief from chronic migraines, and neck and shoulder pain
- Improved quality of sleep
- Eases jaw joint (TMJ) symptoms
- Promotes better hearing
Phase 2 – This phase is usually carried out following Phase 1 once all the adult teeth have come into the mouth and is involved with straightening the teeth, usually with fixed braces or aligners. If the jaw’s have been fully developed and are in the correct relationship, which Phase 1 aims to achieve, then Phase 2 treatment almost always avoids the need for having teeth taken out to create space.
During Phase 1 treatment, Dr Krishnan works closely with specially trained Cranial Osteopaths and Myofunctional Speech therapists to maximise the effects of treatment in developing the jaws and face to reach their ideal potential.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Orthodontic issues are rarely confined to just the teeth, and there has been significant research to show that correct function and posture greatly enhance orthodontic therapies. To this end Dr Krishnan works with wide range of experts such as Myofunctional therapists, Cranial Osteopaths, ENT Surgeons and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, to provide a more holistic approach to treatment.
This approach not only treats the presenting problems but addresses the underlying issues that have lead to problems in the first place.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Treatment times can vary between individuals and the amount of time taken depends the age of the patient and on how much development of the jaws is required. In general, Phase 1 of treatment, as described above, usually takes between 12-18 months in the majority of cases.
Tooth extraction during Phase 1 treatment is usually not required. Following Phase 1 treatment, if the jaws have been developed to their optimum size and position, then it is rare to have to take adult teeth out to make space.
To ensure the best chance of developing jaws to their full potential, it is best to start treatment early around 7 years of age and ideally no later than 12 years of age. It is possible to develop the jaws of older children and even adults, but the chances of optimising growth rapidly decrease following puberty.
If you are concerned about the development of your child’s jaws and teeth, this can be assessed as early as age 4-5 with a view to commencing treatment following the assessment or at a later date.
Initially there may be mild discomfort, although from experience this is short lived. The main issues revolve around speech as the appliances used can affect the speech sounds. However, after a few weeks, children soon adapt to this and the speech improves significantly.
Yes, many of the appliances are removable, but they can also be fixed in place so they cannot be removed by the patient. The type of appliance used will depend on the specific nature of the problem we are trying to address and will be discussed with you prior to commencing treatment.
Treatment costs will obviously vary between patients depending on the severity of the presenting problems but usually start from around £4500 for Phase 1 treatment. We provide a free initial consultation either in person or by Zoom which will give you a good indication of the likely treatment required for your child and the associated costs.
REFER YOUR PATIENT
PRACTICING AT
Until Marylebone
1 Orchard Street
London
W1H 6HJ
Tel: 020 3838 0866