Many children in Singapore can greatly benefit from growth modulation as it helps them achieve beautiful and trouble-free smiles as they grow older. This procedure is especially recommended for kids who have the potential to develop significant underbites or overbites.
If your family has a genetic tendency of severe underbites, catching these developmental tendencies early is essential. With the help of a certified paediatric dentist, facial growth can be controlled and guided effectively, addressing any potential chewing or aesthetic issues. Early intervention can significantly affect the long-term oral health and aesthetics of your child’s smile.
Growth modulation can effectively treat dental malocclusions in children, including:
If your child has any of the conditions above, make an appointment for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Malocclusions, such as an overbite or underbite, in children can result in an array of problems, such as:
While orthodontic treatment can effectively address dental malocclusions, growth modulation can play a role in guiding jaw formation and teeth eruption, potentially reducing the need for extensive orthodontic procedures and shortening the overall treatment duration. By identifying and correcting bite problems in children early on, growth modulation aims to intervene at a crucial stage of development.
While growth modulation cannot completely prevent malocclusion, it is important to lessen the severity of the condition, making the subsequent treatment simpler and less invasive. A problem that might require corrective surgery in the future can be managed in a gentle and non-invasive manner. This approach can contribute to better long-term oral health and overall well-being.
It is recommended to bring your child a dental assessment before the age of 9, just before they enter puberty.
At this stage, dental professionals can evaluate how your child’s jawbones are growing in relation to their teeth. Guiding jaw growth is the most effective during puberty when bones experience rapid growth during their growth spurt.
The ideal timeframe for guiding jaw growth is between 8 to 15 years for girls and 9 to 16 years for boys. Early assessment and intervention can help optimise the treatment outcome and potentially prevent the need for more complex procedures in the future.
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During the initial consultation with Dr Nicole Ann Lee, your child’s dental condition will be assessed to determine the appropriate treatment.
The type of treatment will depend on whether your child has an underbite, overbite, or narrow arch.
An upper removal appliance may be recommended for children with a narrow arch and prominent front teeth (resembling “bugs bunny” teeth). Using a plastic device, this appliance helps expand the palate sideways and retracts the upper front teeth with a wire. This treatment approach guides the eruption of your child’s teeth and prevents the development of a traumatic bite.
Dr Nicole will discuss the best course of action to address your child’s specific dental concerns and achieve a favourable outcome.
While the idea of growth modulation treatment might seem intimidating, it is essential to understand that in the hands of a skilled paediatric dentist like Dr Nicole, the procedure should not be painful or uncomfortable, particularly when attending to children, including children with special needs.
For successful outcomes, patient compliance is crucial throughout the treatment process.
When done with the right treatment approach, growth modulation offers several benefits for children, including:
Dr Nicole will ensure that your child’s growth modulation treatment is carried out with care and expertise, making it a positive and beneficial experience for them.
