12-year-old girl thankful for early orthodontic treatment at Elite Dental Center

Her father, Ha Vi Tri, took her to Elite Dental Center for treatment based on his own childhood experience and a strong belief in the center's expertise.

Now, both father and daughter are delighted to witness Han confidently smiling at every social occasion and school event, free from worries about her crossbite deformity.

Ha Bao Han before (L) and after (R) orthodontic treatment at Elite Dental Center. Photo courtesy of Elite Dental Center

Parents who are considering dental braces for their children often wonder when is the best time to start orthodontic treatment, said Dr. Do Quynh Nhu, the orthodontist at Elite Dental Center who is in charge of Han’s treatment.

General dentistry problems are rampant. Specialized dentistry services are being overlooked for protruding, misaligned, underbite, deep bite, open bite, or crossbite issues.

"These are serious issues that demand immediate attention," said Dr. Nhu, an executive member of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Orthodontists.

Children's general dentistry problems before orthodontic treatment are protruding, misaligned, underbite, deep bite, open bite, or crossbite issues. Photo courtesy of Elite Dental Center

There are hundreds of dental clinics in HCMC, and Elite Dental Center offers specialized dental services.

Dr. Nhu emphasized the significance of early identification of orthodontic issues, as it makes the correction process more manageable.

Interceptive orthodontic treatment addresses current problems and helps prevent more serious issues as the child grows.

The doctor said starting braces for children as early as possible is not necessarily advantageous. The timing should be appropriate.

The prime age range for orthodontic treatment in children is between 6 and 12, which is the mixed dentition stage.

"This phase is advantageous because the jaw bones are actively developing, and children are losing primary teeth and erupting permanent teeth. These factors make it absolutely optimal for widening the dental arches, aligning the jawbones, and positioning teeth correctly," she explained.

Accordingly, parents should take their children to a specialized orthodontist, particularly at the age of 6-7, to evaluate jaw development, oversee the transition from primary to permanent teeth, and identify any early abnormalities. Orthodontic treatment for children entails using dental appliances such as braces, bonded brackets with archwires, or clear aligners to align a child's teeth into proper positions on the dental arch.

This treatment helps children achieve a confident smile with well-aligned teeth while supporting optimal chewing function and oral hygiene.

Children between 6 and 12 are the most suitable for orthodontic treatment, according to Dr. Do Quynh Nhu. Photo courtesy of Elite Dental Center

Dr. Nhu explained that after 12, when most permanent teeth erupt or jawbone growth is nearly complete, orthodontic treatment becomes more demanding. In some cases, it may even necessitate tooth extractions or jaw surgery.

With over a decade of expertise, Dr. Nhu leads an accomplished team of orthodontists at Elite Dental Center.

The team has a proven track record, with hundreds of successful cases identifying bite issues in young children and providing prompt intervention.

The center boasts a team of skilled pediatric orthodontists dedicated to delivering top-notch care for child patients.

These experts regularly attend specialized training courses abroad to stay at the forefront of the latest advancements in growth orthodontics, ensuring their patients receive the most effective and cutting-edge treatments.

Elite Dental Center now operates three state-of-the-art clinics in HCMC's central districts. These clinics are outfitted with imported modern facilities, and the staff strictly adhere to safety guidelines.

The facilities are carefully designed to cater to the unique needs of young patients, including a play area to ensure children can relax and feel at ease before their appointments.

Elite Dental Center prepares a playground for children. Photo courtesy of Elite Dental Center

"Dentists and staff understand children's psyche. I didn't feel scared when I first visited the center for treatment, and also during subsequent visits," Han recalled.

Dr. Nhu affirmed: "Our doctors and staff are fluent in Vietnamese, English, and French. We all consider the importance of warm and easy communication as a key commitment to our young patients and their parents in providing excellent dental care services."