If your kid needs braces, they have many alternatives. Gone are the days when you could only have metal braces. At child dentistry, compare your child’s innovative and classic braces options.
What Are My Brace Options?
- Braces are classified into four types: lingual, ceramic, conventional, and Invisalign. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
- Traditional: Metal brackets are adhered to the front of the teeth and linked with wires. Usually less expensive but less discreet.
- Invisalign: A set of custom-made aligners or trays placed over your child’s teeth. Although almost unnoticeable, it is more costly than alternative solutions.
- Lingual: Similar to conventional, but put on the back of the teeth rather than the front. Although the brackets are concealed from view, they may need more time to treat or be more challenging to clean.
- Ceramic: Similar in size and form to conventional, but lighter in colour to better mix with the enamel of the teeth. You may experience gum or lip sensitivity.
What Are Your Child’s Requirements?
The best braces for your child will be unique to them and will be determined by their needs. If your kid is concerned about the look of braces, Invisalign or lingual braces may be an excellent option.
If kids don’t mind the appearance of braces, talk to your pediatric dentist about ceramic braces. Be warned that ceramic is somewhat less robust than metal and may break, so it may not be the ideal choice for your kid if they are highly active.
According to Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis IN, traditional braces are the most prevalent and most straightforward to maintain. Traditional braces are the best option if your kid is active in sports, has good oral hygiene, and doesn’t mind the appearance of braces.
The Purpose Of Orthodontic Treatment Is More Than Cosmetic
The first point is that orthodontic treatment is more than just a cosmetic procedure. When you think about orthodontics, you typically think of teeth correction to improve your smile.
While this is not entirely correct, there are two sides to orthodontics. The first is for cosmetic reasons, but the second is to treat any difficulties that make it difficult for the patient to eat, breathe, or talk.
So, if your children have concerns that go beyond dissatisfaction with the appearance of their teeth, an orthodontic visit might be effective in treating these issues.
Get Your Children Started Early
According to Children’s Dentist Indianapolis IN, as your children develop, a medical practitioner must check them to ensure that everything is in order. You probably take your children to the doctor for annual checkups, beginning at a young age, for their overall health.
This logic should also apply to their oral health. They recommend that your children see a dentist and orthodontist by seven. This is because kids begin to develop their permanent adult teeth around 6 or 7.
You want to make sure your children’s jaws and teeth develop correctly before they start gaining adult teeth. Otherwise, kids will need more invasive orthodontic treatment to correct any problems.
When you bring your children in for frequent checkups from a young age, a dental expert can monitor their progress and spot any issues early on. They may then provide interceptive and preventive treatment, saving you time and hassle in the future.
When Is The Best Time To Get Braces?
The kid determines the optimal age to acquire braces. This is because everyone develops differently; some children will reach puberty faster and sooner than others.
However, as a general guideline, your children should consider having braces between 9 and 14. This is usually before they’ve reached puberty. It will be more difficult to alter their jaw and teeth if they’ve already gone through it since they’ve established their post-puberty placements.
Types Of Braces
You may be acquainted with metal bracket braces since they were formerly the only choice. However, there are various options available now that may make orthodontic therapy more personalized. In addition to metal braces, ceramic braces and Invisalign are available. Continue reading to learn more about each type.
Braces Made of Ceramic
According to Pediatric Dentist Indianapolis IN, ceramic braces resemble metal but are less noticeable. Because the ceramic is either transparent or tooth-coloured, you won’t see them as much. This makes them ideal for youngsters who are self-conscious about their teeth and don’t want to attract attention to them while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
These are more costly than metal bracket braces, and they move teeth more slowly. They’re also less long-lasting.
Invisalign
Invisalign employs transparent retainer trays that are custom-made for each patient. Even if they look carefully, no one will be able to tell you to have retainers on since they are entirely transparent and conform to the teeth.
You may remove the retainers anytime you choose, giving you greater freedom regarding the meals and beverages you can consume.
Signs That Your Children May Require Braces Or Other Orthodontic Treatment
Crooked or gapped teeth are one of the most evident symptoms your children may need braces. However, these issues may not require the use of braces.
The following are some important indicators that they may need orthodontic treatment:
- Breathing difficulties (most noticeably, mouth breathing)
- Snoring during sleep
- Under-eye dark circles
- Eating difficulties
- Problems with speaking
- Tooth crowding
- Incorrectly positioned bites
- Jaws and teeth that seem to be out of proportion
They recommend that you take your children to the dentist and/or orthodontist around the age of seven. However, if you detect any of the aforementioned issues before that age, please make an appointment. The sooner you treat dental concerns, the easier it will be to fix them.
Book An Appointment Right Now
Now that you know there is no single best age for braces, the most important thing you can do for your children is to have regular exams. Some dental abnormalities, if detected early enough, may be treated without the use of braces.