Ha Bao Han, a 12-year-old girl from Ho Chi Minh City, is thankful to her father for quickly identifying her anterior crossbite a few months ago.
Her father, Ha Vi Tri, took her to Elite Dental Center for treatment, drawing from his own childhood experiences and confidence in the center’s expertise.
Now, both father and daughter are thrilled to see Han smiling confidently at social events and school functions, no longer worried about her dental deformity.
Dr. Do Quynh Nhu, the orthodontist overseeing Han’s treatment at Elite Dental Center, noted that many parents often question the best time to start orthodontic care for their children. She highlighted that issues such as protruding teeth, misalignment, underbites, deep bites, open bites, and crossbites are common but often neglected.
“These serious issues require immediate attention,” said Dr. Nhu, who is also an executive member of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Orthodontists. With numerous dental clinics in Ho Chi Minh City, Elite Dental Center stands out for its specialized services.
Dr. Nhu emphasized the importance of early detection of orthodontic problems, as it makes treatment easier. Interceptive orthodontic treatment can address current issues and prevent more severe complications as children grow.
However, she cautioned that starting braces too early isn’t always beneficial; timing is crucial. The ideal age for orthodontic treatment is between 6 and 12 years old, during the mixed dentition stage when both primary and permanent teeth are present.
“This phase is advantageous because jaw bones are actively developing,” she explained. “Children are losing primary teeth while permanent ones are erupting. This makes it an optimal time to widen dental arches and align jawbones.”
Parents should consider taking their children to a specialized orthodontist around ages 6 or 7 to assess jaw development and monitor the transition from primary to permanent teeth. Orthodontic treatment may involve braces, bonded brackets with archwires, or clear aligners to position teeth correctly.
This early intervention helps children achieve confident smiles with well-aligned teeth while also supporting proper chewing function and oral hygiene. Dr. Nhu noted that after age 12, when most permanent teeth have erupted and jaw growth is nearly complete, orthodontic treatment can become more complex and may require tooth extractions or jaw surgery.
With over a decade of experience, Dr. Nhu leads a skilled team of orthodontists at Elite Dental Center. They have successfully identified bite issues in numerous young patients and provided timely interventions.
The center features a team of pediatric orthodontists dedicated to delivering high-quality care. These professionals regularly participate in specialized training abroad to stay updated on advancements in growth orthodontics.
Elite Dental Center operates three modern clinics in central Ho Chi Minh City, equipped with imported facilities that adhere strictly to safety guidelines. The environment is designed with young patients in mind, including a play area to help children feel relaxed before their appointments.
Han shared her positive experience: “Dentists and staff understand children’s feelings. I didn’t feel scared during my first visit or any subsequent ones.”
Dr. Nhu affirmed the center’s commitment to communication: “Our doctors and staff speak Vietnamese, English, and French. We prioritize warm interactions with our young patients and their parents to provide excellent dental care.”
This focus on early detection and intervention in orthodontics can significantly impact children’s dental health and overall well-being as they grow.
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