Growth guidance and prevention:
guiding tooth and jaw development early

Why is growth guidance so important?

In orthodontics, growth guidance plays a crucial role in supporting the natural growth of the jaw and teeth and in correcting misalignments early. Targeted measures allow us to prevent misalignments of the teeth and jaw from getting worse and to avoid more complex or invasive treatment becoming necessary in later years.

At the Eltz Institut, we rely on state-of-the-art techniques and preventive approaches to guide jaw growth in children and teenagers in the best possible way. The earlier we detect abnormal development, the better we can respond to it and positively influence the growth process.

How does growth guidance work?

During childhood and adolescence, the jaw is still growing, which gives us the opportunity to intervene actively in this process and guide jaw growth. With functional appliances and removable braces, we can steer jaw growth in the right direction and so create space for the permanent teeth.

Aims of growth guidance:

• Correcting jaw misalignments: early measures can prevent misalignments such as an overbite, overjet or crossbite from getting worse.
• Creating space for permanent teeth: if the jaw is too small to accommodate all the permanent teeth, growth guidance can help to create the space needed.
• Avoiding surgery: correcting jaw misalignments early can often avoid the need for jaw surgery later on.

When should growth guidance begin?

The ideal time for orthodontic growth guidance is during the mixed dentition phase, roughly between the ages of 6 and 12, when the permanent teeth gradually come through. During this time, jaw growth can still be influenced in a targeted way, so that more severe misalignments are avoided.

Signs that growth guidance may be needed:

• Early or late tooth loss: losing baby teeth very early or very late can be a sign of an imbalance in jaw growth.
• Difficulty biting or chewing: if children have difficulty biting or chewing properly, this could indicate a misalignment of the jaw.
• Mouth breathing: children who mainly breathe through their mouth often develop jaw misalignments and should be examined.

What methods of growth guidance are there?

Depending on the type of misalignment and the child's individual stage of development, we use various methods of growth guidance at the Eltz Institut. We attach great importance to making treatment as comfortable as possible for children.

Commonly used methods:

• Removable braces: these braces are mainly worn at night and help to gently expand the jaw and create space for the permanent teeth.
• Functional appliances: these appliances use the natural forces of the muscles to steer jaw growth in the right direction. They help to optimise the interaction between the upper and lower jaw.
• Space maintainers: if baby teeth are lost early, we fit space maintainers to keep the space free for the permanent teeth and prevent misalignments.
• Expansion appliances: in cases of severe crowding or crossbites, expansion appliances are used to steer jaw growth in width and so create space.

Prevention: preventive measures for healthy teeth

Alongside active growth guidance, prevention plays an essential role in preventing misalignments of the teeth and jaw. At the Eltz Institut, we rely on regular check-ups to detect changes in jaw growth early and take targeted action.

Preventive measures:

• Regular check-ups: from as early as the age of 6, we recommend annual free check-ups to monitor jaw growth.
• Early correction: treating misalignments of the jaw and teeth early can avoid later, more complex procedures.
• Promoting oral hygiene: good dental care is important to prevent tooth decay and gum problems that could affect jaw growth.

Why the Eltz Institut?

At the Eltz Institut, you benefit from state-of-the-art technology, many years of experience and a treatment concept tailored specifically to children and teenagers. With a dedicated floor for children, we offer a child-friendly atmosphere and guarantee gentle and effective treatment.

Your benefits at the Eltz Institut:

• Specialised orthodontists: our team specialises in treating children and teenagers and makes sure that jaw growth is guided in the best possible way.
• State-of-the-art technology: we use 3D scans and digital treatment planning to monitor and guide jaw development precisely.
• Individual care: every treatment plan is tailored individually to your child's needs.

Book your free consultation now!

Would you like to find out more about the options for growth guidance and prevention for your child? Book a free consultation at the Eltz Institut now and get individual advice from our specialists. Together we will make sure that your child's teeth develop in the best possible way!