Dental Braces for Children

Overview

During your child’s regular dental checkup your dentist may recommend an initial orthodontic screening if he/she spots crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw. Your child’s first orthodontic assessment may be scheduled at the age of 6 or 7 years, when the permanent teeth begin to appear and when developmental problems tend to show up. Yes, early orthodontic care helps to detect problems early and encourage the symmetrical development of your child’s jaw and teeth. In addition to this, the enhanced confidence that comes from an aesthetically pleasing smile can indeed boost your child’s self-esteem for life. If you are concerned that your child may need braces, talk to your child’s orthodontist today. Help your child get straighter, more aesthetically appealing teeth with braces!

The Procedure

Your child’s teeth is first cleaned and conditioned. The fixed braces that comprise of brackets are connected with archwires and affixed to the teeth with dental cement. Orthodontic elastic bands may be added to the braces to apply additional pressure needed to move the teeth. After the braces are removed it is essential that the teeth do not regress back to its original misalignment. Hence, the orthodontist fits a custom-made retainer to ensure that your child’s corrected teeth and jaw alignment remains in position. Sometimes, a head gear which is a custom-made removable appliance is attached to the braces. This device gently applies pressure and guidance necessary to move the teeth and align the jaw.

The Symptoms

Your child may need Dental braces if he/she has

• Difficulty in chewing or biting
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
• Jaws and teeth that are not in proportion with the rest of the face
• The habit of thumb or finger sucking or tongue thrusting
• Been a habitual mouth breather
• A tendency to bite the roof of the mouth
• Protruding or misaligned teeth
• A noisy jaw
• The habit of grinding or clenching of teeth
• Had a premature or delayed loss of baby teeth

The Eligibility

Dental braces for children may be recommended, for the following reasons

• Enhanced aesthetics and correction of teeth alignment
• Straighter teeth that ensures significant health benefits including improved speech and better access for oral hygiene
• Better aligned teeth to help boost your child’s confidence

The Risks Involved

Tooth decay due to improper oral hygiene, cut lips or cancer sores, choking hazard and susceptibility to periodontal diseases are some of the risks associated with wearing braces in children. Moreover, rapid jaw growth can throw the braces strategy off balance. There is also a risk of relapse if retainers are not worn.

The Impact

Braces for children provide not just a straight set of teeth but a broader smile as well as enhanced facial balance and aesthetics. If you spot one or more signs your child needs braces, make sure to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist for an individual consultation. Yes, when it comes to exploring braces for your child, the earlier the better. The Dental braces worn during childhood, saves you and your child time and inconvenience years down the road. Give the gift of straight teeth and a beautiful smile for your child with orthodontic braces.