A Reflection Of Ourselves
Our minds and the overall person we become are the real reflection of us, rather than physical features. Even so, we tend to be influenced by our physical development and by the way others perceive us through this.
Considering appearance within paediatric care choices is natural. Orthodontics is an example, where treatment may not be for medical reasons, when we are looking at wider maxillofacial treatment, the same applies.
A maxillofacial clinic deals with trauma, disease, jaw disorders in children, dental anomalies. They must consider the psychological wellbeing and development of young patients, alongside their medical treatment.
Prevalent Conditions
Jaw fractures are not uncommon in older children, although their jaw varies anatomically from adults. They heal at a different rate, sometimes imperfectly, which can affect developing dental structure.
That aspect can require care without other physical, or medical causes. Many of us experience imperfect tooth growth in childhood, missing, malformed, or supernumerary teeth.
Nasal damage, or incorrect growth is another area maxillofacial surgeons often help to treat. A complex area of varying tissue which must be carefully addressed, a less than clear airway can bring deeper harm.
Breathing defects can cause immediate issues, such as increased intracranial pressure. Airway obstruction can be a trigger for sleep problems and is linked to reduced cognitive development in children.
The link between medical care and ongoing development is an unbreakable relationship, which must be factored into treatment.
Planning The Future
In depth diagnosis is a great start, based on scientific understanding, modern imaging and experience of childhood facial conditions.
A dedicated consultant is essential for treatment planning, from details such as future tooth eruption, to mapping a decade of development to come. The ability to draw on the skills of a multi disciplinary team can still assist.
Having consultants with different specialties and skilled orthodontists in house has helped our London clinic to support a number of patients. Continuity is assured, from people who are used to working together and share an ethos of positive decision making.
Treatment decisions for children are different, surgery you might offer adults would not suit young patients. Aggressive surgical intervention may be correct in a sense but could cause deformity in later years.
The primary need to plan for the long term, physically and psychologically calls for greater foresight. Good childhood care is about 10 years, or 60 years to come, rather than just fixing a problem.
If you have any questions about paediatric maxillofacial care and childhood development, by all means contact our team, who will be happy to help.
