Every parent wants to see their little one smile! This is also the aim of orthodontic specialists for children in Switzerland. Beyond the aesthetic aspect, orthodontic treatment for the youngest children is designed to correct dental problems at an early stage.
At what age should you consult a orthodontics for children in Switzerland ?
According to dentists in Lausanne and Fribourg, a baby's first dental visit should take place after the emergence of the first baby tooth. A visit to the orthodontist usually takes place around the age of 7. This practitioner will make sure that the jaws and teeth are growing properly.
In some cases, your child may need to consult us a little earlier or a little later. We strongly recommend that you consult us before the age of 12, as this is the age when facial bone growth is complete. Early treatment of dental malformations avoids the need for more extensive treatment in adolescence or adulthood.
We recommend that you make an appointment with a children's orthodontist in Switzerland when :
- You notice a misalignment of his teeth.
- His jaw is growing too fast or, conversely, too slowly.
- There is a significant gap between the two jaws.
- Prominent teeth prevent the mouth from closing.
- Your child breathes by mouth.
Why consult an orthodontist?
After inspecting the child's oral cavity, the orthodontist will assess the need for orthodontic treatment. He or she will also be able to intercept any malocclusion in good time and treat it before the child stops growing. The aim is to prevent anything that could cause functional problems later on:
- development of cavities
- premature tooth wear
- heaving
- difficulty chewing
- discomfort when breathing
- diction problems
- pain in the jaws, head or facial muscles
However, aesthetics should not be overlooked. Teeth positioning influences both smile and facial features. Prolonged sucking of the thumb or pacifier can interfere with the proper alignment of teeth. This can lead to the appearance of "buck teeth" between the ages of 7 and 11. This colloquial expression is used when the upper incisors protrude forward.
Orthodontic treatment for children
More often than not, the orthodontic treatment are applied from the age of 6. An orthodontist in Fribourg, Lausanne or Aigle may decide to apply it earlier if the child has a significant gap between the two jaws.
Treatments vary depending on the patient's age, but also on the state of growth of the teeth. In fact, the specificity of orthodontics for children in Switzerland and elsewhere lies in the possibility of accelerating or slowing down tooth growth.
- If the child still has all or part of his primary teeth: we prefer discreet, removable resin braces with a wire running in front of the incisors.
- When all the permanent teeth have emerged: fixed braces, commonly called "braces", are used instead.
Depending on age at the time of consultation, the practitioner may suggest :
- preventive treatment of primary teeth (between ages 6 and 8)
- an interception phase on mixed dentition (between ages 8 and 11)
- a permanent tooth-building phase (between ages 11 and 17)
- rehabilitation procedure for permanent teeth (growth completed), identical to that applied to adults
Orthodontic treatment prices for children in Switzerland
Prices for children's orthodontic treatment in Switzerland vary from practice to practice. In the case of your child's first braces, we recommend that you always ask for several estimates before choosing the professional who will carry out the treatment.
In Switzerland, basic health insurance does not cover dental treatment. For orthodontic treatment to be covered, you need supplementary dental insurance. For children, this can be very useful in the event of dental anomalies. Compare the benefits offered by different insurers, especially the amount of coverage for orthodontic treatment. Be aware that you'll always have to pay for part of the treatment.
Would you like more information on orthodontic treatment? We recommend that you make an appointment with a specialist in children's orthodontics in Switzerland. HELVIDENT's team of qualified orthodontists will provide personalized answers to your child's case. We welcome you to our dental clinics in Lausanne, Fribourg and Aigle. Please do not hesitate to Contact us !
