Children worldwide are skeptical about getting braces. On one hand, they are excited about the idea of perfect teeth, but on the other hand, they are nervous about metals causing pain and discomfort. Fortunately, getting braces is not painful when provided by an experienced dentist, with a beautiful end result.
Our renowned orthodontist in Morrisville, NC, is well-equipped to provide comprehensive, personalized braces for children with minimal pain and discomfort.
Why do children need braces?
Children may require orthodontic braces to correct the following dental problems:
- Missing teeth
- Extra teeth
- Malaligned, crooked, or crowded teeth
- An overbite
- An open bite
- An underbite
- Incorrect jaw position
Misalignment of the teeth can occur due to genetic predisposition or certain acquired habits like:
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Prolonged pacifier use
- Poor oral hygiene
- Poor nutrition
What is the ideal age for getting braces?
In most cases, dentists believe the ideal age for braces and other orthodontic treatments is between 10 and 15 years of age. This is because there is active growth and development, and the bones are usually malleable or flexible during this age. Any movement during the treatment requires less time and effort as compared to providing treatment for adult patients.
Children do not require a combination of treatments or surgery, as compared to adults, owing to their age. Thus, you may achieve the desired results in a short span of time in children.
What are the oral care practices for children with braces?
The following recommendations are essential to maintain good oral hygiene in children with braces:
- Ensure to brush your teeth twice daily and after every meal with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Remember to floss daily between the teeth and braces
- Use a proxabrush to remove food and debris from between the teeth
- If required, use an oral irrigator to remove debris between the teeth, brackets, and wires
- Avoid hard or sticky foods that may damage the orthodontic brackets and wires
What are the types of orthodontic appliances used on children?
There are multiple orthodontic appliances that work wonders on children. These include:
- Fixed braces
- These comprise brackets fixed to each tooth and connected with an archwire
- Fixed appliances
- These include space maintainers and expanders that are usually fixed and cannot be removed
- Headgears
- These are customized devices used to treat developmental irregularities
- Retainers
- These devices are used in the retention phase to maintain the results achieved during the active phase
- It ensures your teeth maintain a proper alignment and do not regress back to misalignment
Consult a dental specialist if you notice any irregularity in your child’s dentition. Because your child’s smile and oral health are equally important.