Ha Bao Han, a 12-year-old from Ho Chi Minh City, expressed deep gratitude to her father, Ha Vi Tri, for recognizing her anterior crossbite and taking swift action. Thanks to his early detection and a visit to Elite Dental Center, Han is now enjoying life with a confident smile, free from the concerns of her dental deformity.
Her father, motivated by his own childhood experience and trust in Elite Dental’s expertise, sought professional help, a decision that has transformed Han’s self-esteem at school and social events.
Parents frequently question the best time to start orthodontic treatment for their children, says Dr. Do Quynh Nhu, the orthodontist overseeing Han’s care at Elite Dental Center. She emphasized that early identification of dental issues like misaligned teeth, crossbites, and underbites is critical for ensuring effective treatment.
“Orthodontic problems such as protruding teeth, underbite, or crossbite are serious and require immediate attention,” Dr. Nhu explained, underscoring the growing need for specialized dental services in Ho Chi Minh City, where general dentistry often overshadows critical orthodontic care.
Dr. Nhu stressed that while early detection is crucial, starting orthodontic treatment too soon may not always be beneficial. The ideal age range for orthodontic intervention, she says, is between 6 and 12 years, during the “mixed dentition” stage when children are transitioning from primary to permanent teeth.
“This period is optimal because the jawbones are still developing, allowing for easier alignment of teeth and correction of jaw growth,” she noted. “Parents should bring their children in for evaluation around ages 6-7 to monitor jaw development and detect any abnormalities early.”
Interceptive orthodontics during this phase can prevent more severe problems from developing later, using dental appliances like braces, archwires, or clear aligners to guide teeth into their proper positions.
Dr. Nhu pointed out that delaying treatment beyond age 12 can make correction more difficult as permanent teeth erupt and jawbone growth slows. In some cases, more invasive procedures, such as tooth extractions or even jaw surgery, may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
With over 10 years of experience, Dr. Nhu leads a highly skilled team at Elite Dental Center, which has successfully treated hundreds of young patients with early orthodontic intervention. “Early treatment not only helps with appearance but also improves chewing function and oral hygiene,” she emphasized.
Elite Dental Center, with three clinics located in central districts of Ho Chi Minh City, offers specialized pediatric orthodontic care. The team of orthodontists at Elite regularly undergo international training, ensuring that they stay current with the latest advancements in orthodontic treatments for growing children.
Equipped with modern, imported facilities, the center provides a welcoming environment designed to ease children’s anxieties, including play areas to help young patients relax before their appointments.
Han reflected on her own experience, stating, “The dentists and staff made me feel comfortable from my very first visit. I wasn’t scared at all.”
Dr. Nhu highlighted the importance of effective communication, noting that the team is fluent in Vietnamese, English, and French to ensure clear communication with both young patients and their parents.
The dedication to comfort and care at Elite Dental Center is key to providing excellent dental services, allowing children like Han to grow up with healthy, confident smiles.
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