Braces for kids might be what your child needs to put their teeth alignment problems or bite issues behind them. Pediatric dentists have used braces to address orthodontic issues for centuries, and they are still one of the most commonly used teeth straightening devices.
Braces are dental devices that are used to improve teeth alignment. Historically, braces were usually made out of metal alloys, but they can also be made with tooth-colored or clear plastics these days. They work by gently pushing a person’s teeth to an improved alignment over a period of 12 to 36 months. Braces consist of brackets that are cemented to the patient’s teeth and wires that connect the brackets. Tightening these wires increases the force applied to the patient’s teeth.
Some of the issues braces for kids can be used to fix include:
Parents who are concerned their child might have any of the bite issues listed above should visit a pediatric dentist for an assessment. The dentist will visually inspect the child’s teeth and use diagnostic tests like X-rays to help determine appropriate treatments.
Even parents who do not think their children have any bite issues should bring them in for an evaluation before their seventh birthday. At this point, the child’s bite is defined enough to pinpoint issues and treat them. It is also easier to straighten a child’s teeth at this point since their jaw and other facial structures are still developing.
The four main types of braces parents get to choose from are:
These have been around for centuries and remain the most durable and effective type of braces. The main drawback of metal braces is their poor aesthetics. Many people do not like the visuals of having what looks like miniature railway tracks on their teeth.
Metal braces have evolved a lot over the years, and today’s devices are smaller and sleeker than the metal braces used decades ago. They can also be customized with any color, logo, or whatever else your child is into.
These devices are not as durable as metal braces, but they are less conspicuous. Instead of metal brackets and wires, these devices use tooth-colored ceramic brackets and transparent or tooth-colored wires. It makes the device a lot less noticeable during interactions, which many kids and adults prefer. However, some severe orthodontic issues that require lengthy treatments might require using metal braces.
These are one of the least popular types of braces due to the discomfort they cause some patients, but they provide the best aesthetics. Lingual braces are quite similar to traditional braces, but instead of attaching the brackets and wires to the front of a patient’s teeth, they go on the back of their teeth.
These braces are made with sliding doors that hold the wires of the device in place, removing the need for rubber bands like traditional braces. Self-ligating braces also come with less noticeable, smaller brackets. They are also generally viewed as the most comfortable type of braces.
Poorly aligned teeth can lead to speech, bite, and developmental issues if left untreated. Call or visit our Asheville clinic if your child’s teeth are poorly aligned to set up a consultation with our pediatric dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.babytoothdoc.com or call Dennis R. Campbell, DDS at (828) 417-3828 for an appointment in our Asheville office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontics for Children in Asheville, NC.
A dentist might recommend clear braces for kids if your child has developed orthodontic issues. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends bringing in your child for their first appointment with an orthodontist by the time they are 7 years old.At this point, their smile should be developed, even if they still have some of their…
Dental bonding for kids is not something you see every day, but it is sometimes necessary to keep a child from losing their teeth too early due to damage and decay. You may have heard of this procedure before for adults, but it is also very useful for kids and can dramatically improve the look…
A baby root canal allows the dentist to save the child’s tooth. That way, it can stay in place until it is ready to come out. This is important because the baby teeth have several functions. You might be wondering how a baby root canal is performed. Read on to learn more about this type…
A key goal of pediatric dentistry is establishing healthy oral hygiene habits early to promote long-term oral health. With guidance from a pediatric dentist, parents can help their children understand how to maintain clean and healthy teeth at home. This early exposure can make healthy habits — like brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and eating…
While it might seem like taking a child to a dentist for orthodontic evaluation at…
If your child has a cavity, a crack, or a chip, you may want to…
A baby root canal allows the dentist to save the child’s tooth.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in…
The first visit to a pediatric dentist is an important step in your child’s oral…
Tooth brushing often misses the plaque and bacteria that collect there, making it harder to…
