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Child at the orthodontic examination

Early treatment in the primary dentition

We recommend having your child's dentition examined in good time to check that it is functioning properly. Irregularities in the primary dentition often continue into the permanent dentition. With some misaligned teeth it therefore makes sense to begin correction while the baby teeth are still in place.

Initial orthodontic check-ups can be useful from the age of three to five – at this age all the baby teeth are present, and misalignments or dysfunctions can be identified clearly.

An early look is particularly advisable if a child lisps, has sucked its thumb for a longer period or has used a dummy for a long time.

Common early treatment measures

With early, corrective therapy you often spare your child more complex measures later on. These include, for example:

  • stopping habits such as thumb sucking, lip biting or tongue thrusting
  • closing an anterior open bite
  • correcting a crossbite in the front or side tooth area
  • keeping gaps open with a space maintainer after early loss of a baby tooth
  • pronounced lack of space due to a jaw that is too small
  • supernumerary teeth

Straight teeth for a whole lifetime: the earlier we identify a developmental problem, the more gently it can be steered in the right direction.

The most important points at a glance

  • Initial orthodontic check-ups are useful from the age of three to five.
  • Particularly advisable if a child lisps, has sucked its thumb for a longer period or has used a dummy for a long time.
  • Typical measures: stopping habits, closing an open bite, correcting a crossbite, keeping gaps open.
  • Pronounced lack of space and supernumerary teeth also become apparent in this phase.
  • Early, corrective therapy often spares more complex measures later on.

Frequently Asked Questions

My child sucks its thumb – does that harm the teeth?
Prolonged thumb sucking can change the position of the teeth and jaws, for example leading to an anterior open bite. The earlier the habit is given up, the better. We take a look at the situation and show you which measures help with it.
From what age should a child have a first orthodontic examination?
A first check can make sense from the 3rd to 5th year of life. At this age all baby teeth are present, and misalignments or malfunctions can be recognised well.
Is my child not too young for a brace at four years old?
For a regular treatment usually yes – that as a rule only begins at 9 to 12 years. An examination is nevertheless sensible: some faulty development can be steered in the right direction in the baby dentition with very simple means.
What is a crossbite?
In a crossbite the upper teeth bite past the lower ones on the inside instead of covering them. This can affect individual teeth or whole lateral areas and is therefore frequently corrected as early as in the baby dentition.
How long may my child have a dummy?
The earlier the dummy is given up, the smaller the influence on the position of the teeth. If your child holds on to it for longer, it is best to have the position of the teeth and jaws checked – then we can see whether anything needs to be done.