Early Orthodontic Treatment in Honolulu, HI

Pediatric Dentistry Kahala provides early orthodontic treatment in Honolulu, HI. Call

. to learn more and schedule an appointment.

What Is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on straightening the permanent teeth and aligning the dental bite. While most parents know about orthodontic treatment for older children and adults, they may not realize that younger children sometimes need this care.

Benefits of Orthodontics

Allows permanent teeth to erupt correctly
Prevents harmful effects of childhood habits
Creates a healthy dental bite
Childhood treatment may help prevent the need for braces in the future

Why Choose Pediatric Dentistry Kahala

Your child's needs are our top priority. Our child-centered practice provides a calm, relaxing environment with age-appropriate features. Our experienced, compassionate team helps your child feel comfortable in the office while offering advanced dental care. We also treat special-needs individuals of all ages.

Procedures Offered

Space Maintenance

Children's primary teeth sometimes fall out prematurely due to tooth decay or injury. A missing primary tooth can cause its neighbors to move out of position, blocking the proper eruption of the permanent teeth.

To prevent this problem, a pediatric dentist can install a space maintainer. A space maintainer fits over the tooth next to the gap and keeps adjacent teeth from drifting into it. The dentist can remove the space maintainer when the new permanent tooth begins to erupt.

Habit Appliances

Thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting can cause tooth alignment problems and alter the dental bite. To help patients stop these harmful behaviors, dentists install habit appliances.

A habit appliance is a small metal gate stationed behind the front teeth. It attaches to wires around the molars. These appliances typically stop thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting in a matter of days, keeping the child's actions from disrupting their tooth alignment. The dentist can remove the appliance after the child permanently breaks the habit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics

What happens if my child's tooth falls out early and they do not receive a space maintainer?

If your child’s tooth falls out early, not all situations require a space maintainer. Your pediatric dentist will evaluate your child’s growth and development and let you know if a space maintainer would prevent the permanent teeth from not being able to erupt properly, thus becoming impacted. If there is a lack of space, then the permanent teeth could either erupt severely crooked or not erupt at all.

What kind of bite problems can childhood habits cause?

Tongue-thrusting and thumb-sucking frequently cause underbite and open bite. Either of these conditions can lead to speech, chewing, and permanent teeth alignment difficulties.

Can crooked teeth cause oral health problems?

Plaque and tartar readily build up on crooked teeth because they are harder to clean. This problem can lead to higher rates of tooth decay and gum disease. Crooked teeth can also cause alignment concerns with your child’s jaws during chewing and function.

If my child sucks their thumb, when should they stop?

Children who suck their thumbs or fingers past age three are more likely to have orthodontic issues. However, the frequency (the duration) of thumb-sucking is an important factor. Your pediatric dentist will help assess and discuss the guidelines and timeline for your child’s thumb-sucking habit.

Does early orthodontic care prevent the need for braces?

This treatment may reduce the need for braces in some children by clearing up issues that lead to poor tooth alignment and an altered bite. We also work closely with orthodontists if more complex or comprehensive orthodontic treatment is recommended.

Call Pediatric Dentistry Kahala

Early orthodontic treatment can help preserve your child’s healthy smile. Please call our Honolulu, HI, office at

808-737-0076

to schedule an appointment today.

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