Orthodontist and Retainers for Kids

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the correction, prevention, and development of teeth, jaws, and bite irregularities. However, children between the ages of 10 to 14 years are the perfect candidates for orthodontic treatment and braces. Orthodontists correct the following problems:

The process of correcting teeth alignment is the same, regardless of the patient’s age. Issues such as crowded or crooked teeth manifest due to a shortage of space or jaw development.

In young kids, this problem can be identified before the growth of their permanent teeth. This allows for early intervention, thus securing space for adult teeth and saving your child from wearing conventional braces.

This defect is corrected by the use of removable plates that are adjustable. The plates help the jaws to grow and develop to the right shapes and sizes, creating the required space.

With orthodontics, every case is different and unique in its own way. This calls for proper assessment and treatment for the patient.

Signs That Will Tell Your Child Needs to See an Orthodontist

If your child has any of the symptoms below, then he or she will benefit from the services of an orthodontist near you even if they are below 7 years of age:

How Will Your Kid Benefit from Orthodontic Treatment?

When you visit a dental clinic for the first time with your child, he/she will receive a thorough mouth, teeth, and jaw examination. The practitioner may ask you several questions regarding your child’s health conditions. In order to see the positioning of the teeth, an x-ray will be required. After a complete evaluation, your child’s practitioner will decide what restorative option is best to go for.

Types of Braces for Your Kid

The common types of braces are:

1. Traditional braces

This is the most common and widespread braces for kids, and it is also the cheapest available option. Braces are used to correct tooth alignment problems by exerting pressure on the tooth, forcing it to move to its natural position.

Children mostly need braces that have brackets, rubber bands, and wires. The rubber bands and wires are connected to the bracket that is attached to teeth. Over time, the wires are tightened little by little lining the teeth properly. The rubber bands are appealing to kids due to their variety of colors. The kids get to pick the choice of their color.

The time under treatment usually takes 18 to 24 months. These braces are efficient in teeth straightening and can solve almost all types of teeth alignment issues.

Children will need assistance to brush teeth and clean the braces. To make the cleaning easy, you can use an electric toothbrush customized for kids.

2. Ceramic

These braces perform similar functions with traditional braces. The difference is that ceramic braces are made of less noticeable materials. They will either be tooth-colored or clear in order to blend in with your child’s teeth. Ceramic braces are also efficient in covering spaces at the front teeth.

3. Invisalign®

Invisalign helps straighten teeth by using a series of clear, removable, plastic aligners that are custom made. The following are some of the advantages they offer to children:

• It allows continuous teeth eruption
• Are less likely to be noticed
• They are removable
• It does not make teeth cleaning difficult

This treatment is an excellent option for kids who are sensitive about their appearance.

4. Lingual

These type of braces use metal wires and brackets which are tucked behind your child’s teeth. This makes it difficult for anyone to notice them. Another advantage is that the stains that form due to poor oral health care will not be visible. This option is, however, not suitable for people with small teeth, particularly children.

Traditional Braces Vs. Clear Braces

Traditional braces are more efficient than clear braces, especially in children. The secret behind this is that metallic braces exert more pressure than the latter, thus moving teeth to their natural position quicker.

Visit Sunny Smiles Kids dental clinic in Del Mar, CA, with your kid for a check-up. We also offer treatment for all types of orthodontic issues.