Preventive orthodontics is one of the important and growing branches of dentistry, which aims to prevent serious problems in the growth and arrangement of children's teeth and jaws. According to **the best orthodontic specialist in Mashhad**, preventive orthodontics means taking timely and timely measures during childhood to prevent more severe abnormalities in the structure of the teeth and jaw that may require more complex and expensive treatments in the future. This type of orthodontics is very effective especially in childhood and adolescence when teeth and jaws are still growing. **Objectives of preventive orthodontics** 1. **Correction of jaw growth:** One of the main goals of orthodontics is to prevent, guide and correct the growth of jaws in the correct way. Many jaw deformities in childhood are preventable. With special orthodontic devices and tools, you can control the growth of the jaw and prevent deviation and disproportion. 2. **Creating enough space for permanent teeth to grow:** Children are usually faced with baby teeth that must eventually give way to permanent teeth. If there is not enough space for the growth of permanent teeth, the teeth will grow in an irregular and crooked manner. Preventive orthodontics helps teeth grow properly by creating a suitable space. 3. **Prevention of bite problems:** Problems such as the front or back of the lower jaw compared to the upper jaw, **overbite**, underbite and crossbite can be corrected in time with preventive orthodontics. 4. **Reducing the need for complex treatments and surgery:** With early diagnosis and timely treatment, complex jaw surgeries and long-term orthodontic treatments can often be avoided. **Read more" Examining the effect of drugs on the speed of teeth movement in orthodontics** **When should you see an orthodontist?** The best time for children's first orthodontic visit is usually between the ages of 6 and 8, when the baby teeth are falling out and the permanent teeth are erupting. At this age, the doctor can evaluate the state of jaw development and the order of the teeth and, if necessary, start preventive treatments. Any problems such as improper chewing, speech problems, protruding teeth, unnatural gaps between the teeth or premature falling out of baby teeth should be taken seriously and referred to an orthodontist as soon as possible. **Read more" What is an orthodontic headgear and what are its uses?** **Preventive orthodontic methods** There are various methods to perform preventive orthodontics, among the main and most important ones, the following can be mentioned: ### **Using mobile orthodontic devices** These devices, which are usually made of plastic and wire, are used by the child at certain times of the day. Their purpose is to make gentle changes in the jaws and teeth, to open up enough space and guide growth correctly. These devices are simpler and more bearable than fixed devices. ### **correction of harmful habits** Habits such as finger sucking, prolonged use of pacifiers, tongue thrusting or mouth breathing can cause dental and jaw abnormalities. Preventive orthodontic treatments include counseling and training to correct these habits to prevent damage to the structure of the teeth. **Read more" Is removable orthodontics better or fixed?** ### **pulling milk teeth on time** In some cases, timely extraction of baby teeth that make room for permanent teeth is considered a part of preventive orthodontics. This should be done by a professional to avoid any problems. ### **Using fixed devices in special cases** In some children who have more complex problems, it may be necessary to use fixed devices such as simple brackets or jaw opener devices, which in this case also aims to prevent and correct problems in time. **Benefits of preventive orthodontics** - **Decreasing the severity of problems:** Prevention allows small problems to be treated sooner and prevent them from becoming bigger problems. - **Reduction of treatment costs:** Early treatments are simpler and cheaper than more complex treatments in adulthood. - **Increasing the child's self-confidence:** Having a beautiful and regular smile has a great effect on children's mood and self-confidence. - **Improving oral and dental health:** Regular teeth are better cleaned and the possibility of decay and gum disease is reduced. - **Preventing jaw surgeries:** Many jaw problems can be corrected with timely prevention methods and no surgery is needed. **Read more" What is canine orthodontics and how is it done?** **Problems that can be prevented with preventive orthodontics** - Severe misalignment of teeth - Abnormal spaces between teeth - Deviation and asymmetry of the jaws - Byte problems such as overbite, underbite and crossbite - Prolapse and excessive tightness of the dental arch - Improper chewing and **speech problems** - Disorders caused by incorrect oral habits #### **final word** Preventive orthodontics is an effective and necessary approach in children's dentistry that prevents the occurrence of dental and jaw abnormalities with early diagnosis and timely treatment. This type of orthodontics maintains oral health, improves the beauty of the smile and increases the quality of life of children. Parents should pay special attention to the health of their children's teeth and visit an orthodontist at the right age to get the best results. Choosing non-invasive and preventive methods in orthodontics, in addition to reducing costs and complications, brings a positive and comfortable experience for children. ###