If your child is dealing with dental issues– crooked or crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, or even an incorrect jaw position– orthodontic braces may be the answer to improve one, or more of these problems.
But there’s also several important questions you’ll want to ask, prior to getting started:
When is the right time, or age, for braces?
Children with orthodontic problems can quickly benefit from treatment, but we believe the best age for placement of braces is between 10 and 14. It’s when the head and mouth are still growing, and teeth are more conducive to being straightened. You may also want to consider, changes in your child’s facial appearance, can be traumatic at this age. You’ll want to talk to your child, and our team, to make the right decision. And don’t forget, more adults are wearing braces to correct even minor alignment issues!
What kind of braces are available?
Your child will probably have a choice, but we will work with you to make sure it is what’s best suited to their particular dental problem. Braces typically come in three varieties, with the most popular being brackets made of metal or plastic, and bonded to the front of the teeth. There’s also brackets that attach to the back of the teeth, and are hidden from view. And the traditional braces are metal bands which wrap around every individual tooth. Each type uses wires attached to the brackets or bands to move the teeth into the desired position.
How long are braces worn?
Every treatment plan is different! The more spacing or bite problems, and the more complicated, the longer braces may have to be worn. Your child can probably count on having full braces between 18 and 30 months, which is often followed by wearing a retainer for a set amount of time to help align the newly straightened teeth.
Will braces hurt, or be uncomfortable?
Your child’s teeth or even jaw may feel slightly sore after each visit, due to the tightening of the interconnected wires, meant to provide mild pressure for shifting the teeth into alignment. Keep in mind, any discomfort is brief, but also some teeth may have to be extracted to make room for those being shifted by the braces, and to help with proper jaw alignment.
Who will provide the orthodontic treatment?
We will work with you to coordinate your child’s dental care. This includes an orthodontic treatment plan with a specialist trained in the prevention and correction of irregularities of the teeth and jaws.