Plates and orthodontic appliances

Plates and orthodontic appliances in Kyiv

A beautiful smile of a child is formed from an early age. Orthodontic appliances are a proven and effective method for correcting the development of the jaws in children and adolescents (from 6 to 12 years old). Unlike braces systems, such appliances allow the growth of the jaw to be directed in the right direction, create space for permanent teeth and correct harmful habits.

At the Crystal Dent dental clinic we pay special attention to early treatment. A timely visit to the orthodontist allows problems with the bite to be solved at the stage of their formation, which often eliminates the need for complex treatment or tooth extraction in the future. We care that little patients feel comfortable and interested from the first minute of the meeting. We do not just align teeth, we make friends, play and protect the peace of your child.

Orthodontic plates are removable or non-removable constructions for correcting the position of teeth and bite. Unlike fixed systems, the child can independently remove them during meals or tooth brushing.

What a dental plate consists of and how it works

Base

It is made of hypoallergenic plastic. It can be transparent or bright, with glitter or pictures, which increases the child’s interest in treatment.

Metal elements

Special arches, hooks and springs that apply gentle but constant pressure to the teeth.

Screw: the heart of the appliance

Regular turning of the screw allows the jaw to be gradually expanded, creating space for proper tooth growth.

The bite plate acts as delicately as possible. It does not move teeth as intensively as braces, but rather “suggests” to the jaw how to develop correctly. Thanks to such gentle action, the child’s adaptation is quick and painless. A correctly selected orthodontic appliance at Crystal Dent helps to form a harmonious facial profile and an ideal dental arch from childhood.

Orthodontists recommend the first preventive examination at the age of 6–7 years, when the replacement of baby teeth with permanent ones begins. It is during this period that a plate on teeth for children brings maximum benefit, as the jaw is still actively growing and easily amenable to correction.

Main indications

There are a number of signs indicating that a child needs bite correction with a plate:

• Incorrect bite: if the upper teeth overlap the lower ones too much, or vice versa — the lower jaw protrudes forward.
• Crowding of teeth: when permanent teeth do not have enough space in the row and they begin to grow sideways or in a “second row”.
• Narrow jaw: the appliance helps expand the dental arch, preparing the foundation for all future teeth.
• Bad habits: thumb sucking, lip biting or the habit of breathing only through the mouth can deform the jaw. A special plate helps gently wean the child from this.
• Preparation for braces: often preliminary use of appliances significantly reduces the time and complexity of future treatment with a braces system in adolescence.

Timely bite correction with a plate allows avoidance of surgical intervention and serious problems with diction or posture in the future.

Modern orthodontic appliances are divided into several types depending on the clinical task. Important: plates can affect teeth and the growth of the jaws, helping to correct the bite at the stage of its active formation.

Removable plates

These are classic plates for teeth alignment, consisting of a plastic base and metal elements. They can be installed on one or both jaws at the same time. With their help it is possible to keep teeth in the desired position or slightly tilt them in the correct direction.

Jaw expansion appliances

If there is catastrophically not enough space for permanent teeth, a special appliance for jaw expansion is used. A screw is built into its construction, which when activated gradually expands the dental arch. This makes it possible to avoid the extraction of healthy teeth due to their crowding in the future.

Trainers

Soft silicone mouthguards that are worn mainly at night. They not only align teeth but also train the muscles of the tongue and cheeks, teaching the child to swallow correctly and breathe through the nose, which eliminates the very cause of bite deformation.

Functional appliances

Complex constructions (for example, the Frankel appliance or Twin-Block) that influence the development of facial bones. They stimulate the growth of an underdeveloped jaw or restrain overly active growth, harmonizing the facial profile.

The use of orthodontic appliances at an early age has many advantages that make them the gold standard of pediatric dentistry:

• Early correction: the possibility to correct pathology before it becomes established and requires complex intervention.
• Painlessness: gentle pressure does not cause severe discomfort, the child quickly gets used to the appliance.
• Removable construction: greatly facilitates oral hygiene and allows comfortable eating.
• Affordability: the cost of manufacturing and installing plates is significantly cheaper than braces.
• Prevention of complex orthodontics: correct jaw development in childhood often eliminates the need to wear braces or perform maxillofacial operations in the future.

The duration of treatment is always individual and depends on the complexity of the defect. On average, the period of active correction takes from 6 to 12 months, however the overall work on the bite can last until the complete change of teeth.

Wearing regimen and discipline

• To achieve results the appliance must be worn 20–22 hours a day.
• It is allowed to remove the plate only during meals, tooth brushing or active sports.
• If the child often forgets to put on the appliance, the treatment process is prolonged or completely annulled, as the teeth quickly return to their original position. In this case it is better to use a fixed orthodontic appliance.

When is the result visible?

The first positive changes are usually noticeable already after 2–3 months of regular use. However, the exact answer to the question of how long to wear a dental plate specifically for your child can only be given by a doctor after diagnosis and evaluation of the movement dynamics.

Remember: the result depends 50% on the skill of the doctor and 50% on how responsibly the child (and parents) follow the wearing regimen.

A pediatric orthodontist at Crystal Dent is first of all a psychologist who knows how to find an approach to a small patient so that bite treatment in children takes place without fear and stress.

The installation process includes the following stages

• Orthodontist consultation: the doctor conducts an examination, evaluates the condition of the dentofacial system and determines the need for an appliance.
• Diagnostics: we perform a panoramic X-ray or CT to see the position of teeth that have not yet erupted.
• Impressions or scanning: we take accurate impressions of the jaws. At Crystal Dent this stage takes place as comfortably as possible.
• Individual manufacturing: your personal dental plate (Kyiv) is manufactured in a dental laboratory from safe hypoallergenic materials. The child can choose the color and design of the appliance.
• Installation and control: the doctor fixes the plate and teaches the child (and parents) how to use it correctly. After that regular control visits are scheduled for correction and screw activation.

Many parents are primarily interested in the question: what is the price of a dental plate in Kyiv? The cost of treatment is always calculated individually after the initial examination and diagnostics.

What the final cost depends on

Type of appliance

Removable single-jaw plate, two-jaw construction or a complex functional appliance for jaw expansion.

Complexity of pathology

The more serious the bite disorder, the more elements (screws, springs, arches) may be required in the construction.

Materials

We use only certified biocompatible polymers and metals of foreign production.

Individual manufacturing

Each appliance is created for a specific patient based on unique impressions, which guarantees efficiency and comfort of wearing.

In our clinic we adhere to a transparent pricing policy. The exact price is fixed in the treatment plan so that you can plan the family budget in advance.

Dental health and a correct bite are an investment in your child’s successful future. Early diagnostics makes it possible to solve the problem before it becomes serious and requires expensive intervention.

At the Crystal Dent clinic we understand how important it is to find contact with a small patient. Our individual approach guarantees that the treatment will be not only effective but also calm for the whole family.

Do not postpone the first visit to the orthodontist!

• Sign up for a consultation at Crystal Dent right now.
• Undergo an examination and receive professional recommendations.
• Start the path to an ideal smile in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere.

Your child deserves the best — start caring for their health today!