Or it\u2019s hard to know whether it\u2019s okay to wait a little longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So this article is based on the explanation of Dr. Seungjun Park from Yeongjong International Dental Clinic, who is so well\u2011known in Yeongjong that he is even called the \u201cDental President.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We provide an in\u2011depth overview of the timing of pediatric orthodontic treatment and the treatment approaches for each type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of the most common pediatric orthodontic cases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This happens when the front teeth come in crooked as they transition to permanent teeth, or when there isn\u2019t enough space and crowding occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the important point is, <\/p>\n\n\n\n It does not mean that pediatric orthodontic treatment is always necessary just because the teeth are crooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The necessary analytical factors are as follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Growth\u2011phase orthodontic treatment goes beyond simply aligning the teeth evenly, <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is the only period during which the growth direction of the jawbone itself can be modified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once a person becomes an adult, jawbone growth stops, so only the teeth can be moved, but <\/p>\n\n\n\n Children\u2019s jawbones are still growing, so orthodontic treatment that utilizes the growth plates is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Especially in cases of underbite or a recessed chin, these conditions are closely related to the jawbone\u2019s growth pattern, <\/p>\n\n\n\n The growth period is essentially the most effective\u2014and often the only\u2014time for pediatric orthodontic treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, <\/p>\n\n\n\n Phase 1 Orthodontics = Pediatric orthodontics that guide the direction of jaw growth <\/p>\n\n\n\n Phase 2 Orthodontics = Full orthodontic treatment for precise tooth alignment<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conclusion: Dental implants should not be placed in children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reasons are as follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, in pediatric orthodontic treatment, instead of using implants, <\/p>\n\n\n\n a space maintainer or a temporary bridge is used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Children often have strong healing ability, so replantation may still be possible even after a day <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is best to store the tooth in milk and go to the dentist as soon as possible<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pediatric orthodontics is not just about aligning teeth; it is an important process that influences a child\u2019s facial growth and lifelong dental health <\/p>\n\n\n\n Problems related to jawbone growth are especially time\u2011sensitive, and missing the right period may require surgery in adulthood, so early diagnosis is extremely important<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, simple alignment issues can be evaluated through precise space analysis to determine whether first stage orthodontic treatment is needed, allowing unnecessary early treatment to be avoided <\/p>\n\n\n\n When a child loses a tooth, implants should not be done, and it is important to store the tooth properly and bring it to the dentist within two hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n When parents understand this information, they can make much wiser decisions for their child\u2019s dental health <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kdoctorinterview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Copilot_20260524_192657-1024x460.png\")
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\ud83e\uddb7 When should children start orthodontic treatment?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
1) Severe mandibular protrusion (underbite, Class III malocclusion)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a case where the lower jaw protrudes further than the upper jaw, and it is one of the most time\u2011sensitive conditions in pediatric orthodontics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Children with an underbite tend to have strong forward jaw growth, so appliances are used to guide the growth direction downward. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If this period is missed, it becomes difficult to control jawbone growth, making it the most critical golden time in pediatric orthodontics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2) When the chin is too retruded (weak chin, Class II malocclusion)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a case where the upper jaw grows faster than the lower jaw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
In this case, a face mask or intraoral appliance must be worn for long periods, so cooperation from both the child and the caregiver is essential. \u00a0
Because the appliance must be worn consistently at home to be effective, the child\u2019s cooperation plays a decisive role in the success of pediatric orthodontic treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3) When the teeth are crooked (crowding, alignment issues)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
By analyzing these three factors, we determine whether first\u2011phase orthodontic treatment is necessary or if second\u2011phase treatment during middle or high school will be sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kdoctorinterview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Copilot_20260524_192337-1-1024x327.png\")
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4) When the spaces between the teeth are too wide<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parents also worry a lot when there is a wide gap between the front teeth. \u00a0
However, the timing of treatment varies depending on the cause, so a gap alone does not mean that pediatric orthodontic treatment should begin immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83e\uddb7 Why is pediatric orthodontic treatment during the growth period important?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83e\uddb7 Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 Orthodontics (Core Concepts of Pediatric Orthodontic Treatment)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2714 Phase 1 Orthodontics (Mixed Dentition, Ages 7\u201311)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2714 Phase 2 Orthodontics (Permanent Dentition, Ages 12\u2013Growth Completion)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\ud83e\uddb7 Jaw growth patterns are shaped by genetics and habits<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the reasons pediatric orthodontics is necessary is because of daily habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bad habits that affect jaw growth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Mouth breathing, in particular, can cause the jaw to grow longer and narrower, making pediatric orthodontic treatment more challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kdoctorinterview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Copilot_20260524_192523-1-1024x317.png\")
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\ud83e\uddb7 When a child loses a tooth, is a dental implant an option?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is one of the most frequently asked questions from parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/em>\ud83e\uddb7 The golden time when a tooth is lost<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Separate from pediatric orthodontic treatment, the proper response when a tooth is lost is also extremely important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\ud83e\uddb7 Ways to prevent tooth loss<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Custom mouthguards are especially helpful for highly active children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83e\uddb7 Key points to check during regular dental check\u2011ups<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To check whether your child needs orthodontic treatment, review the following points<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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