The Importance Of Orthodontics For Children

Many children worry about getting braces because they are concerned about what they will look like but some cannot wait to get them believing they are approaching their teenage years. Regardless of what the child feels you would probably have some questions and concerns yourself about the braces and how you are going to pay for them. Here are the details on children and braces.

Why Children Need Braces

There are many reasons why children may need braces which could be ranging from crooked, overlapping, or overcrowded teeth. They could also be suffering from a bad bite which is known as malocclusion. This is a problem that affects children when there is a difference between the sizes of the top and bottom jaw. When the upper jaw is larger than the lower jaw it results in an overbite and when the reverse is true it results in an underbite.

Tooth and jaw problems are usually caused by the baby losing teeth too soon, thumbsucking, or accidents. However, they are also inherited and therefore if you or someone in the family needed braces it is likely that the children will also need them.

Your child’s pediatric dentist will often notice the problems during a regular visit and recommend the child to orthodontic treatment. The orthodontist will determine whether a child needs braces and the kind of devices best suited to him or her.

There is no age limit for the child to obtain orthodontics care. Some children are receiving orthodontic therapy when they are around six years while some are visiting the orthodontist when they are teens. Adults also need orthodontic therapy and may even be recommended invisible braces if the problems in their mouth are not complex. Beginning orthodontic treatment in the early stages does not mean the child will get braces right away but is just for the orthodontist to identify problems and to determine the best time to begin the treatment.

The First Visit of the Child to the Orthodontist

During the first visit, the orthodontist will thoroughly examine the teeth, mouth, and jaw of the child. He or she may also take x-rays to understand how the teeth are positioned and whether permanent teeth are still waiting to erupt. An impression of the child’s mouth will also be taken to get a replica of the child’s teeth that will allow the orthodontist to determine which treatment options are the best.

Types of Braces

Braces can correct alignment problems by putting steady pressure on the teeth to eventually move them into a straighter position. Braces for kids have brackets, wires, and rubber bands and the wire is tightened gradually over time to help the teeth line up properly. Although metal braces are still being used orthodontic braces made from ceramic which are less noticeable are also available. Some types of braces can even go behind the teeth and are known as lingual braces.

Clear removable braces that can shift the teeth with plastic trays called aligners are also available. These do not have wires or brackets but may only be suitable for some people. Some children may also need headgear which is usually only worn during the night. The orthodontist may also recommend that your child must have one or more teeth extracted for creating more space in his or her mouth.

The duration of time your child will need to wear the braces will depend on the problems orthodontist Milford CT is attempting to fix. However, the average time needed can be calculated at around two years after which the child will be required to wear a retainer to keep the teeth from wandering back into their original places.

If your child needs braces and is between the ages of 10 and 18 you can apply for the smiles change lives program. If your application is accepted your child will have access to the braces for just around $ 600. Big Smiles Pediatric Dentistry will offer you all the information you need when you take your child for orthodontic treatment in Milford and are recommended braces to improve your child’s smile.

You can also approach dental schools where dentists specializing in orthodontics offer braces at a reduced rate for kids. These schools offer particular attention to complex cases and orthodontic care provided is supervised by experienced orthodontists. Getting your child the braces he or she needs is a better option than allowing them to continue living with problems in their mouths that can only aggravate with time.