Removable braces for children:
Gentle treatment for baby teeth and the mixed dentition
Orthodontic treatment with removable braces is a proven method of supporting children’s dental development, particularly during the baby-teeth and mixed-dentition phase. These removable appliances offer a gentle way of bringing the jaw into the correct position and making room for the permanent teeth before more extensive treatment with fixed braces becomes necessary.
At the Eltz Institut, we use removable braces to support the natural development of the dentition and to correct misalignments at an early stage. Gentle treatment and comprehensive care for the children are always our focus.
When are removable braces a good idea?
Removable braces are used particularly in children who still have their baby (primary) teeth or during the mixed dentition, when the baby teeth are gradually being replaced by the permanent teeth. During this phase, we can influence jaw growth in a targeted way and make room for the teeth that follow.
Treatment goals:
- Correcting the jaw position: Removable braces can help to align the upper and lower jaw optimally with each other.
- Making room for the permanent teeth: Misalignments in the jaw can be identified early and room created for the permanent teeth, so that more complex procedures can be avoided later on.
- Preventing severe misalignments: By correcting misaligned individual teeth early, serious misalignments can be prevented and possible surgical procedures avoided.
It is important to stress that aligning the incisors is often not a priority in the mixed dentition. Rotated teeth or gaps during this phase are usually normal processes that often correct themselves as the teeth continue to grow.
Treatment for baby teeth and the mixed dentition: how do removable braces work?
The removable brace is custom-made for each child and helps to guide jaw growth or to create room for the permanent teeth. It is usually worn in the afternoon and overnight, so that the teeth and jaw have enough time to move gently into the correct position.
Advantages of removable braces:
• Child-friendly design: Children can personalise their brace and choose from various colours and motifs. This increases acceptance and ensures that the brace is worn with pleasure.
• Gentle preparation for later treatment: The removable brace prepares the dentition optimally for later treatment with fixed braces by creating space and regulating jaw growth.
• Easy cleaning: Because the brace can be taken out, oral hygiene is easier for children. The teeth can be brushed as usual, and the brace itself can also be cleaned thoroughly.
When does treatment with removable braces start?
The best time to start orthodontic treatment depends on your child’s individual situation. As a rule, we recommend starting with the first check-ups between the ages of 6 and 7. This allows us to recognise early on whether there is a misalignment and when the best time to begin treatment is.
Early treatment: why is it important?
Certain misalignments caused by oral habits such as thumb-sucking or using a dummy should be treated as early as possible. Breathing also plays an important role: breathing through the mouth (instead of the nose) can lead to dental and jaw problems. In such cases, removable braces can help to restore the correct jaw position and breathing function.
Special attention: breathing and function
Every child’s breathing should be observed closely, as it has a considerable influence on dental development. Normal breathing takes place through the nose, which acts as a natural filter, trapping bacteria and thus preventing respiratory diseases. Children who mainly breathe through their mouths can develop so-called myofunctional disorders. In such cases, orthodontic treatment with removable braces is often the first step.
Retraining swallowing and breathing:
In addition to treatment with braces, it may be necessary to retrain breathing and swallowing. This involves a dental examination followed by a referral to speech therapy to practise the correct breathing and swallowing patterns.
How long does treatment with removable braces take?
The length of treatment varies depending on the severity of the misalignment and how the individual treatment progresses. In general, treatment in the baby-teeth and mixed-dentition phase takes between 9 and 18 months. Regular check-ups and the child’s cooperation in wearing the brace are crucial to the success of treatment.
Why the Eltz Institut?
At the Eltz Institut, we have decades of experience in treating children and teenagers. Our specialised orthodontists work with state-of-the-art technology and draw up a tailor-made treatment plan for each child. Thanks to our own children’s floor, we create a child-friendly atmosphere in which our young patients feel at ease.
Your benefits at the Eltz Institut:
• Individual advice: We take the time to analyse each case individually and to determine the right time to start treatment.
• Specialised orthodontists: Our team specialises in treating children and makes sure that your child receives the best possible care.
• State-of-the-art technology: We use the latest 3D scans and digital planning to monitor the development of your child’s teeth and jaw precisely.
• Child-friendly treatment: By letting children personalise their brace, we increase acceptance and help to ensure that the brace is worn willingly.
Book your free consultation now!
Would you like to find out more about treatment options with removable braces for your child? Make an appointment for a free consultation at the Eltz Institut now and get advice from our specialised orthodontists. Together we will find the best way to help your child achieve a healthy, straight smile!