Kids Braces
Misalignment of teeth in children is a common occurrence. This may be due to genetic factors, oral habits, or developmental issues. When permanent teeth grow and do not follow the specified path, braces are installed. Braces can help align the teeth and prevent them from growing out of the path. Due to their softer teeth and jaw bones, the result is achieved sooner in children than adults, which can help them have a good, aligned smile throughout their lives.
Signs Your Child May Need Braces
Children may need braces for crooked or misaligned teeth, bite issues, crowding of teeth, and the growth of new teeth behind or in front of other teeth. All these issues can result in difficulty in eating, speaking, and even loss of confidence. Hence, it is best to get braces to avoid suffering from these issues for a longer period.
Benefits of Braces for Kids
Kids might suffer from tooth decay and gum diseases due to overcrowding and the inability to brush and floss in some areas. They might also be unhappy with the appearance of their smile due to misaligned teeth that might be affecting their confidence. Misaligned teeth also contribute to bite issues that make biting and chewing difficult. Braces treatment can resolve the issue by pulling the teeth to the required positions.
Types of Braces for Kids
Depending on their requirements, kids' braces have various options. You can choose from traditional metal braces that are durable and effective, ceramic braces that are less noticeable and aesthetically pleasing, lingual braces that are placed discreetly behind the teeth, and clear aligners that are almost invisible and can be removed while brushing and eating. All these options are based on how extreme the issue is and what you and your child prefer.
The Braces Treatment Process for Kids
Braces treatment in kids involves a series of steps to get perfectly aligned teeth.
Initial Consultation: Before getting braces, an orthodontic consultation is required to examine and analyze the child's dental health and plan the process.
Customized Treatment Plan: Based on the analysis, a treatment plan is customized for the child to help align teeth effectively.
Placement of Braces: After planning the treatment, the braces are placed on the teeth. First, the brackets are applied, and then they are connected with rubber bands.
Regular Adjustments: After every 7-8 weeks, braces must be adjusted based on their advancement and final position expectations.
Removal and Retainers: Once the braces treatment is successful and the teeth are in the desired position, they are removed and replaced with retainers to avoid the teeth returning to their previous position.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Getting braces shortly after the growth of all permanent teeth, which is shortly after 10, can provide the best results.
Depending on the complexity of the issue, your child may need to wear braces for 18 months to 2 years to get aligned teeth.
You can help your child take care of their braces by introducing them to the ethics of oral hygiene and the dos and don'ts of braces.