If your child needs braces, you probably have questions about exactly what kinds are available and which is the best option for your child.
In this blog, the dentists and orthodontists at Park View Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics will explain when your child should get braces.
What are braces?
Braces are devices that help straighten and align teeth, coaxing them gently into the correct position over time. The result is an improved appearance as well as improved dental health and function.
What are the most common reasons for braces?
Braces are often thought of as devices that help improve the appearance of a person’s smile, and that’s certainly an important reason to get them. But by correcting the following issues, braces also contribute to oral health. Straighter teeth that aren’t crooked or crowded and fit together well are easier to clean, and they help avoid problems such as a misaligned bite. These are important considerations for anyone, but kid braces in particular can help ensure a lifetime of better oral health and function.
In addition to an improved appearance, the following are some common problems that kid braces can help correct:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Underbites
- Overbites
- Incorrect jaw position
- Disorders of the jaw joint
- Speech issues caused by improper alignment of the teeth
When’s the right time for braces?
Braces can help correct orthodontic problems at nearly any age. Many patients who need child braces will get them between the ages of 10 and 14, while the head and mouth are still growing and teeth are easier to straighten.
However, it’s important to consider each child’s needs – as well as their self-confidence – individually. Your child’s orthodontist can help you decide the best age for your child to get braces if they’re needed.
What types of braces are available?
Braces have come a long way, with many alternatives available to suit you and your child’s needs and preferences. Even the metal versions that come to mind when most people think of braces have gotten a definite upgrade recently.
The following are some of today’s options:
Metal braces – These are still made of metal brackets and wires, but they’re smaller and less noticeable than they previously were. Color bands help personalize them, and heat-activated arch wires help move your child’s teeth more quickly and less painfully.
Ceramic braces – Ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets and sometimes tooth-colored wires, so they’re less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Lingual braces – These are just like metal braces, but the bracket and wires are placed on the inside of your child’s teeth, so they’re less noticeable. They can, however, be more difficult to clean and aren’t appropriate for every case.
Invisalign – These clear plastic aligners are removable and are replaced every two weeks with a new set. They’re easy to wear since they can be removed, and they’re almost invisible.
The amount of time your child will wear braces depends on their particular dental issues and the type of kid braces being used, but in general, he or she can expect to wear them for about two years. After that, your child might wear a retainer to help his or her teeth maintain their new positions.
Where can I get braces for my child in NYC?
Park View Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics specializes in gentle dental care that makes children feel more comfortable and less anxious. We combine technical skill and cutting-edge technologies with our dedication to providing compassionate care.
To get your child started on a lifetime of good oral health – and straighter teeth – make an appointment with Park View Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics today!