Treatment Methods Focused on the Mixed Dentition Period

Among orthodontic treatments for children, the mixed dentition period, when baby teeth and permanent teeth coexist, is a particularly crucial stage.

Correcting tooth alignment and bite issues during this phase may help avoid the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later in life.

At our clinic, we frequently utilize “Pre-Ortho” and “Clear Aligner Orthodontics”.

Each has distinct characteristics, and we recommend them based on the child’s specific situation.

What is Pre-Ortho?

Pre-Ortho is a ready-made, one-piece silicone mouthpiece for both upper and lower teeth.

Features and Benefits

• Being ready-made, costs are relatively low
• The appliance is soft, making it easier for children to get accustomed to
• It can also address the root causes of malocclusion

Specifically, it can:

• Improve mouth breathing
• Help establish proper tongue positioning
• Enable training of swallowing and oral muscles, and may also provide some tooth arch expansion.

Clinical Experience

For about 60-70% of children, Pre-Ortho alone can achieve noticeable improvement in tooth alignment.

However, it is difficult to correct minor tooth rotations. Additional treatment is often needed in cases like premature loss of baby teeth causing molars to tilt inward.

What is Clear Aligner Orthodontics?

Clear aligner orthodontics, on the other hand, involves custom-made aligner-type appliances specifically designed for children.

Features and Benefits

• Custom-designed for superior fit and comfort
• Allows teeth to be moved gradually and systematically
• Transparent appearance, making them less noticeable when worn

Points to Note

However, to ensure teeth move effectively during orthodontic treatment, it is generally necessary to wear them all day.

It is essential for the child and family to manage this diligently, as insufficient wear time can reduce effectiveness.

Which should you choose?

• Pre-Ortho is effective for significant alignment issues and habit correction
• Clear Aligner Orthodontics allows for more precise tooth movement

However, in some cases, fixed appliances (braces) may be more advantageous than removable ones.

Therefore, it’s not about “which is better,” but rather choosing based on your child’s specific situation and lifestyle habits.

Our Clinic’s Approach

At our clinic, we do not unilaterally decide between “Pre-Ortho or clear aligners.”

• Instead, we propose the optimal treatment plan based on:
• The stage of tooth eruption
• The presence of habits (mouth breathing, thumb sucking, etc.)

The ease of managing wear at home.

Summary

Pre-Ortho and clear aligner orthodontics are effective treatment options during the mixed dentition stage.

• Pre-Ortho is easy to start and effective for habit correction and general alignment improvement.
• Clear aligner orthodontics enables precise tooth movement but requires strict compliance with wear management.
• In some cases, fixed orthodontic appliances may be necessary.

The key is to determine the treatment method best suited for your child.

If you are unsure about the timing to start orthodontic treatment or which appliance to choose, please feel free to consult with us.