8 years ago, when we were opening the Children’s Clinic, we had about ten children on file. In the beginning, parents used to schedule appointments at the clinic, only when there were issues. Gradually, the number of patients started to increase, and we started facing increasingly serious issues, caused by the lack of prophylaxis. We decided that this should change, and through numerous event sand presentations, we met a large number of expecting mothers and informed them that a child must not only visit the dentist, when there is a problem, but way before that – in the very first year after it is born. Now, we are starting to see the results of the many years of hard work. On a daily basis, at the clinic we see children in their first year, brought there by their parents in order to get acquainted with their dentists. It is now more and more common for us to examine children with healthy teeth, who only need prophylaxis. This always brings happy smiles to our faces.
When I started being actively involved in orthodontics, I faced the same issue as we were facing at the Clinic 8 years ago. It is high time that things change, and we are no longer forced to treat severe orthodontic deformations, due to the lack of adequate prophylaxis. At our clinic, each and every child at the age of three has an appointment with me, as an orthodontist. At this early age, active treatment is rarely necessary, but it is very important to check for and identify any harmful habits (thumb-sucking or still using pacifiers, breathing through the mouth, improper position of the tongue while speaking and swallowing, etc.), which may result in orthodontic issues. The development of the jaws must also be monitored and any genetic predisposition to orthodontic deformation – identified.
The second orthodontic examination must take place between child’s 6th and 7thyear, when the sixth teeth (the first molars) and the four incisors in the upper and lower jaws have already erupted. This is also the most suitable period for commencing early orthodontic treatment, if necessary. The purpose of this treatment is not to ensure perfect alignment of the teeth, but to resolve the most significant issue and reduce the complexity and duration of the second phase of treatment. An early orthodontic treatment is complete within approximately a year.
The third appointment with an orthodontist must be made around the age of 10 years, immediately before losing the last primary teeth – the second primary molars. These play an exceptionally important role in the planning of an orthodontic treatment. Very often, if these teeth are still in the mouth, no extraction of permanent teeth is required.
The three milestone examinations coincide with the peaks of growth, because during these periods, treatment is much easier and takes a much shorter time.
Dr. AngelaStoimenova, MD – Orthodontist
Dental ClinicPetar Duchev Ortho
Dental ClinicPetar Duchev Kids