Dentistry for Children – Braces And Orthodontics
Do you feel that your little one is in need of braces?
If you have not experienced receiving any orthodontic treatment before, chances are you have a lot of questions.
Kids may need braces for various reasons. Bite issues and crooked or overcrowded teeth are among the most common. Some kids also lose their baby teeth early due to accidents or hereditary issues.
Either way, it’s best to take your child to dental professionals so the condition of their mouth and surrounding structures can be checked. The sooner you go, the better it is for your child’s oral health.
Note that taking your child to the dental practice doesn’t mean that they’ll be getting braces or oral appliances right away. Your dentist will advise the best time to get any treatment started.
Braces for Kids
Braces correct alignment of your child’s teeth by using firm pressure. As the treatment progresses, teeth shift into the correct position.
The duration of the treatment depends on the dental issues we need to correct but usually, kids wear braces for about two years.
There are various types of braces offered in our dental practice but the most common among kids are braces with wires and bands.
We’ll see if your little one will also require other orthodontic devices apart from the braces. Once the braces are set, you’ll need to accompany your child for routine check-ups and adjustments every few weeks.
Types of Dental Braces
- Traditional Metal Braces. This is the type that is most common among kids. Made more fun for kids, traditional braces now come with smaller brackets and coloured rubber bands. This option is also the least costly.
- Braces with Ceramic or Porcelain Brackets. The difference with the typical metal braces is that brackets are tooth or clear coloured and are less conspicuous. They blend with your child’s natural smile. However, ceramic or porcelain brackets also require more care as they’re larger and more fragile. They’re also more costly than traditional braces.
- Lingual braces. They look and work similar to the traditional metal braces except that they’re places on the inside of the teeth. They’re a lot less noticeable than other types of braces but are also tougher to clean. Adjustments may also take longer.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatments for Kids
Here are the benefits of getting necessary orthodontic treatments as early as possible:
- Correct habits, such as thumb sucking, that may compromise your little one’s oral health.
- Fix bite problems caused by the difference in upper and lower jaw sizes.
- Better monitoring of the development of your child’s teeth.
- Lower risks of developing protruding teeth.
- Improve your child’s physical appearance.
- Avoid the need for costly and invasive restorative dental procedures.
- Boost your child’s self-esteem and confidence.
What to Expect During First Visits to the Dentist
Your dentist will first evaluate your child’s mouth. They will also talk to your little one if they’re having difficulties when chewing or swallowing.
Depending on the condition of your child’s oral health, your dentist may also request to have their dental x-rays taken. The next steps of the treatment will always depend on the results of the dental exam and steps you have agreed upon for improving your child’s teeth.
Going for consultations gives your child the opportunity to get to know the dental team. It’s crucial for kids to feel comfortable with their dentist and the faces that they’ll see during their visits.
The dental team, on the other hand, also strives to build a relationship with young patients to make treatments easier for everyone.
Ask our NE Calgary dentist today about orthodontic treatments that work best for your child.
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