It can be an incredibly stressful time for a parent if your child has a malocclusion problem. You’ll want to get your child in front of the right orthodontist as quickly as possible to get a diagnosis and treatment. Braces are a common treatment for young people with misaligned teeth or crowding issues.
It’s also something that they should be thinking about. But this can seem scary, and it may worry you that they won’t want to smile at you anymore. If your child is showing early signs of crooked teeth, you should be asking yourself some questions. Do you think your child needs braces? Should the orthodontist recommend treatment, how best to approach the subject with your child?
If you think your child might need braces and are seeking answers, continue reading for some top facts about braces for kids.
1. Does My Child Need Braces
Most children will typically need braces if they have misaligned teeth, bite issues, or jaw problems. Kids’ braces can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic, and they range in complexity. To adjust the teeth, archwires are used to align the braces to different levels.
During treatment, the dentist or orthodontist will periodically adjust the archwires, so the teeth move into their desired position. It is important to note that braces are not a one-time treatment and will require regular adjustments and checkups. In order to maintain the desired result, a retainer, either fixed or removable, must also be worn when braces are removed.
Additionally, it is important for children to follow the dental care routine provided by the orthodontist. This includes regular brushing and flossing, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding hard and sticky foods. With proper care and timely treatment, the outcome of braces for kids can be successful.
2. Braces are Not Just for Straightening Your Kid’s Teeth
Braces are not just for straightening teeth, they can also help improve kids’ oral health. Kids might need braces if they have problems with crowding, overbite, open bite, underbite, gaps between teeth, and other issues. Parents should take the time to discuss with their kids why they are getting braces and what the process entails.
It is important to remember that while braces can help achieve a beautiful smile, they cannot fix every problem. In some cases, additional treatments such as jaw surgery may also be needed. Being open and honest with your kids about their oral health is key for any parent.
It’s also important for parents to understand braces can be an expensive treatment and require regular visits to the orthodontist. And making sure kids keep up with their oral hygiene routine – brushing and flossing – is important throughout the entire process.
3. At What Age Can a Child Get Braces
Generally, braces are recommended for kids between the ages of 8 and 14, but the exact age will depend on the development of the child’s teeth. If the child has a more severe misalignment, the child may get braces at an earlier age, while other children may need to wait until they are older. If the child is still having their permanent teeth come in, an individualized plan of orthodontic treatment is created based on the child’s needs.
It is important to note that having braces at an early age may not be necessary. The child’s dentist will be the best to evaluate a need for braces. if your child has a dental problem and you don’t know where to start, you can visit a kids’ braces provider or other dental services available in your town.
4. Types of Braces for Kids
It is important to know about the various types of braces and which one could be the best option for your child. There are metal braces which are the most common, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners. Metal braces consist of metal brackets that are connected to metal wires.
The metal brackets and wires are adjusted to straighten the teeth. Ceramic braces are just like metal braces but they are made of a clear material so they blend in better with the teeth. Lingual braces are also similar to metal braces, but they are placed behind the teeth so they can’t be seen.
And clear braces for kids are molded to fit the teeth and they are virtually invisible. By evaluating the different types of braces, you can choose the one that is the best fit for your child.
5. A Few Extra Braces Tips
Whether your child is getting traditional metal braces or clear ones, it’s important to ensure that your child intends to keep the braces clean. Be sure to get a toothbrush and floss specifically meant to clean braces, as regular toothbrushes and floss can become stuck in the brackets. Make sure to set a routine with your child to brush and floss twice daily.
Additionally, it’s important to avoid certain food and drinks. Sugary, sticky, and hard foods can cause damage to the braces. Instead, focus on soft foods that won’t get stuck in the braces. And, make sure to stay on top of your child’s appointments with the orthodontist.
Visiting the orthodontist regularly will ensure that the braces are working properly and that your child is on track with their treatment. With these few extra tips and the knowledge of braces for kids, you can keep your child’s smile healthy and beautiful.
This Brief Guide Lets You Read About Choosing the Best Braces for Kids
Braces for kids can help children’s smiles now and into the future. Knowing what to expect, and seeking out an orthodontist your child trusts, can help make the process smoother and less daunting. If you think your child might need braces, contact an orthodontist today and learn more about how braces can help your family.
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