Early Intervention and Jaw Development
Help Your Child Breathe, Sleep and Thrive!
In early life, children experience rapid dentofacial growth and development. This period is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Any disturbance to these growth patterns, such as improper jaw alignment or airway issues, can have significant impacts. These can manifest as dental problems, sleep disturbances, and difficulties in speech and chewing. By identifying and treating these issues early, we can enhance the functions of the mouth and airway. This proactive approach not only addresses immediate health concerns but also supports long-term development, leading to a thriving child who can breathe, sleep, and grow more effectively.
A Modern Approach to Orthodontics
Traditional orthodontic treatments often involved waiting until a child reached their teenage years before beginning treatment. This sometimes required the extraction of teeth to make space for proper alignment. At Leichhardt Dental and Haberfield Dental, we strive to avoid such invasive measures. By addressing orthodontic issues early, we can guide jaw growth and dental development in a way that minimises the need for extractions. Our modern techniques focus on early intervention, ensuring a more natural development process and reducing the need for more extensive treatments later on.
Paediatric Airway and
Sleep Screening Guide
Meet Dr. Luca Pomare
Dr. Luca Pomare is a general dentist who has undertaken extensive further training in orthodontics, focusing on airway and dentofacial development. He understands the impact of improper jaw growth on a child’s overall development and is passionate about the need to treat children as early as possible.
The Importance of Treating Mouth Breathing Early
Mouth breathing can have negative impacts on a child’s health and development, including:
- Increased risk of dental problems
- Impaired speech development
- Sleep issues
- Facial and dental growth disruption
Benefits of Early Treatment
Treating mouth breathing early can provide numerous benefits, including:
- Improving appearance, self-esteem, and well-being
- Promoting nasal breathing and correcting tongue posture
- Improving speech, chewing, swallowing, and sleep patterns
- Minimising worsening of crooked teeth as the child grows
- Minimising the risk of requiring surgery
- Guiding jaw growth with minimally invasive treatment options
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic treatment usually commences once the adult teeth start to erupt, typically around 6-8 years of age. However, interventions such as habit breaking or myofacial myology may be indicated even earlier. It is important to get any potential issues looked at as early as possible. These early measures can help prevent more severe orthodontic issues and support healthy dental and facial development.