Having to wear braces can often seem like a daunting experience for many kids and teens. They see others wearing them and can easily feel intimidated about how they will feel and look like when they have to go through that stage as well. But not knowing much about something can always make it seem much scarier than it really is. And as children’s teeth develop, braces can be a crucial part of correcting that development phase and allowing your child to end up with a beautiful, straight smile.
When considering whether your child could benefit from braces, here is some helpful information to assist you and your child in fully understanding the reasons why so many others like you recognize how necessary braces can be.
Correcting Crooked, Overlapping, or Overcrowding Teeth
As children’s teeth develop in the early pre-teen to teenage years, their teeth can begin to shift and develop in ways that can result in overlapping, overcrowding, or crooked teeth. Overbites, where the upper jaw overlaps the lower jaw, are also a very common problem that braces can assist in correcting.
These type of problems can often be a result of various things, such as sucking the thumb as a toddler, having an accident, or even just genetics and a natural development without any cause associated.
Knowing When It’s Time to Consider Braces
Regular check-ups with your kids’ dentist are imperative for monitoring the development of your child’s teeth. With routine assessments, they can inform you of when it might be time to considering visiting an orthodontist and seeking braces as a method of treatment. Orthodontists specialize in correcting problems with the jaw and teeth alignment. Determining when your child should have braces does not necessarily depend on their age. The age can vary according to the state of the teeth and jawline. Some patients can have braces applied as early as six-years-old, while others have adult braces.
Visiting the Orthodontist
The first initial visits with the orthodontist will entail the assessment of the teeth and jaw alignment of your child. The orthodontist will usually perform X-rays and have your child bite into a solution to create a mold of their teeth to determine the appropriate course of action.
Most treatments usually require regular braces that use brackets, wires, and rubber bands to apply pressure to the teeth in order to gradually correct the alignment. The orthodontist will thoroughly explain the proper techniques for care and maintenance.
Invisalign® is an alternative to traditional braces. Your dentist will custom-fit clear aligners to gradually move your teeth into the correct position. They are comfortable, removable, fully customized, and highly effective.
To learn more about braces for your child or to discuss other corrective dental procedures, schedule an appointment with The Teal Umbrella now!
