Braces for kids might be what your child needs to put their teeth alignment problems or bite issues behind them. Pediatric dentists have used braces to address orthodontic issues for centuries, and they are still one of the most commonly used teeth straightening devices.
Braces are dental devices that are used to improve teeth alignment. Historically, braces were usually made out of metal alloys, but they can also be made with tooth-colored or clear plastics these days. They work by gently pushing a person’s teeth to an improved alignment over a period of 12 to 36 months. Braces consist of brackets that are cemented to the patient’s teeth and wires that connect the brackets. Tightening these wires increases the force applied to the patient’s teeth.
Some of the issues braces for kids can be used to fix include:
Parents who are concerned their child might have any of the bite issues listed above should visit a pediatric dentist for an assessment. The dentist will visually inspect the child’s teeth and use diagnostic tests like X-rays to help determine appropriate treatments.
Even parents who do not think their children have any bite issues should bring them in for an evaluation before their seventh birthday. At this point, the child’s bite is defined enough to pinpoint issues and treat them. It is also easier to straighten a child’s teeth at this point since their jaw and other facial structures are still developing.
The four main types of braces parents get to choose from are:
These have been around for centuries and remain the most durable and effective type of braces. The main drawback of metal braces is their poor aesthetics. Many people do not like the visuals of having what looks like miniature railway tracks on their teeth.
Metal braces have evolved a lot over the years, and today’s devices are smaller and sleeker than the metal braces used decades ago. They can also be customized with any color, logo, or whatever else your child is into.
These devices are not as durable as metal braces, but they are less conspicuous. Instead of metal brackets and wires, these devices use tooth-colored ceramic brackets and transparent or tooth-colored wires. It makes the device a lot less noticeable during interactions, which many kids and adults prefer. However, some severe orthodontic issues that require lengthy treatments might require using metal braces.
These are one of the least popular types of braces due to the discomfort they cause some patients, but they provide the best aesthetics. Lingual braces are quite similar to traditional braces, but instead of attaching the brackets and wires to the front of a patient’s teeth, they go on the back of their teeth.
These braces are made with sliding doors that hold the wires of the device in place, removing the need for rubber bands like traditional braces. Self-ligating braces also come with less noticeable, smaller brackets. They are also generally viewed as the most comfortable type of braces.
Poorly aligned teeth can lead to speech, bite, and developmental issues if left untreated. Call or visit our Burbank clinic if your child’s teeth are poorly aligned to set up a consultation with our pediatric dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.starkidsdental.com or call Star Kids Dental & Orthodontics at (818) 483-9064 for an appointment in our Burbank office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontics for Children in Burbank, CA.
Curious about the importance of dental checkups for children? Read on to learn more. As parents, one of your top priorities is making sure your kids have healthy teeth and gums. Maintaining your child's oral health requires regular dental checkups. This article covers some of the reasons why you should take your child in for…
Wondering whether your child needs to undergo baby root canal therapy? Pediatric dentists are dental specialists for children, making it so many parents are choosing to take their child to a pediatric dentist to provide their child with any necessary dental services. Parents can ask this dental professional any questions they have that pertain to…
Space maintainers are oral appliances primarily used on children to hold the space of baby teeth that fall out prematurely. There are a number of things that can lead to a child’s tooth falling out prematurely, like genetics, trauma, or tooth decay.Losing a baby tooth prematurely can have serious consequences. Milk teeth serve an important…
Wondering what kind of tips a pediatric dentist can offer so that your kids’ teeth are as healthy as they can be? A pediatric dentist is a dentist who has decided to focus their attention on treating children, which includes those up to the age of about 17. They are specially trained in understanding the…
Curious about the importance of dental checkups for children? Read on to learn more. As parents, one of your top priorities is making sure your kids have healthy teeth and gums. Maintaining your child's oral health requires regular dental checkups. This article covers some of the reasons why you should take your child in for…
Wondering whether your child needs to undergo baby root canal therapy? Pediatric dentists are dental specialists for children, making it so many parents are choosing to take their child to a pediatric dentist to provide their child with any necessary dental services. Parents can ask this dental professional any questions they have that pertain to…