Children’s Orthodontic Braces – What Is Best For Them?

Are you the parent of a child with crooked and misaligned teeth and thinking of the best way to have them straightened? Are you confused between choosing the best teeth straightening option for your child among the multiple ones available? If yes, then you have come to the right place! This blog covers everything you need to know about orthodontic treatment for your kids so that you can make an informed decision and choose the best treatment option for them. So, continue reading to find out more. 

What Are The Benefits Of Orthodontic Braces?

Many parents think braces are necessary just to make one’s teeth appear straighter and improve their smiles. However, this is only a part of the job that braces do! The primary function of dental braces is to realign the teeth to improve one’s oral health and physical wellbeing. How? Because straighter teeth reduce food impaction and make it easier to maintain optimal oral hygiene, thereby preventing dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. More importantly, straighter teeth will allow your kids to chew and digest food more efficiently, improving their overall physical health. So, braces can help improve your child’s oral and physical health, besides enhancing their facial aesthetics. 

How Does An Orthodontist Fix Dental Issues In Children?

Orthodontists have various treatment options available to fix tooth alignment issues in children. The type of treatment employed mainly depends on the child’s age and the severity of the underlying issue. For example, if an orthodontic issue is detected during early childhood, your dentist may use functional appliances to redirect jaw growth and align teeth without using braces. On the other hand, orthodontic problems during teenage or adult life are treated using orthodontic appliances such as fixed braces or removable clear aligners. 

Why Is It Better To Put On Braces When You Are A Child?

At an early age, a child’s bones are flexible and actively growing at an early age. This means it will be easier for your dentist to move your child’s teeth and realign them during your teenage years than in later years. However, this does not mean orthodontic treatment is impossible during adult life. Instead, it may take slightly longer to complete during adult life. 

Can A Minor Underbite Be Fixed With Braces?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, an underbite is a condition where the lower jaw sits in front of the upper one. The treatment of an underbite can be done using various orthodontic appliances. For example, a minor underbite can be treated with

• Invisalign aligners
• traditional braces
• lingual braces
• ceramic braces.

Your dentist will recommend a suitable option after a thorough clinical checkup. 

What Should One Know Before Getting Braces?

Getting braces for your child can be challenging for the parents and the kids alike. Firstly, the kids must be reminded regularly to take extra care of their oral hygiene to avoid gum disease and bad breath. Furthermore, they should also avoid hard and sticky foods to prevent their brackets from falling off. Finally, if the kids wear Invisalign aligners, they should wear them for at least 22 hours each day. Otherwise, the aligners won’t work!

What Age Is Recommended A Child Get Braces? Is 10 Too Young?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends parents bring their kids for an orthodontic evaluation no later than their seventh birthday. This allows the orthodontist to identify any underlying issues and treat them before they cause permanent problems. Although early orthodontic treatment is recommended, age is just a number for orthodontic treatment. In children, orthodontists generally wait till all the permanent teeth have come out before starting treatment with braces or aligners. However, in some cases, treatment may also begin earlier using functional appliances that redirect jaw growth to realign teeth. 

Would You Make Your Child Get Braces If They Didn’t Want Them?

When it comes to orthodontic treatment in children, coercion is not a good option. Even if you get braces on your child’s teeth, they will not follow the dentist’s instructions, and the treatment will most likely fail. A better option would be to convince your child that the braces are for improving their health and facial aesthetics. Orthodontic treatment is more likely to succeed in kids when motivated to get their teeth straightened. 

Which Type Of Dental Braces Are Most Suitable?

The type of braces suitable for straightening a child’s teeth depends on various factors, such as the type and severity of their problem, age, and budgetary constraints. If your child is self-disciplined and can follow the dentist’s instructions, then clear aligners are a comfortable and convenient option. On the other hand, fixed braces may be more suitable for fixing more complex or complicated issues. 

Do You Believe Braces For Your Children Are Worth The Cost?

Yes, braces are worth the cost! After all, you’re investing in your child’s health and smile. What could be more important than that? With straighter teeth, your child will not only have a pleasant smile, but they will also be able to enjoy better oral health and physical wellbeing. So, get braces for your child if they need one. Orthodontic treatment for kids can be undertaken either with the NHS or through private dental practices. Some dental practices offer both options to parents. Regardless, if you’re looking for an NHS or private orthodontic practice in Middlesbrough, Cleveland Orthodontics is your best option! No matter how crooked your child’s teeth are, our experienced orthodontists can fix them. So, book an appointment with us today to enquire about NHS or private orthodontic treatment, and let us give your child an adorable, pearly white smile.