Some orthodontic problems are easy to fix if they are detected and treated early. Interceptive dental treatment aims at preventing problems that your child could encounter in the future. One form of this treatment is the use of braces for kids to treat early tooth misalignment conditions.
The Benefits of Braces for Kids
Fixing bite problems such as crossbite, open bite or deep bite- Avoiding future dental correction
- Improving your child’s appearance
- Increasing the confidence and self-esteem of your child
Applications of Kids’ Braces
- Crossbites
- Deep bites
- Open bites
- Crowding
- Spacing
- Teeth not positioned in the correct sequence
Braces and Dental Appliances
Braces apply pressure on the child’s jaws and teeth in order to move them to the targeted position. In the past, having braces meant that a child’s teeth would be banned completely. Today, brackets are bonded on each surface of the tooth or on the rear side of the teeth so that they are not noticeable.
Braces are composed of materials like:
- Plastic
- Ceramic
- Stainless steel
- Nickel-titanium
- Copper titanium
There are also invisible trays used for straightening teeth instead of using braces or wires. These trays are suitable for kids who need simple orthodontic work. This procedure uses an aligner such as Invisalign Teen that is clear and custom-made for the child. These aligners pressure the teeth in order to move them to the right position.
Other appliances used are:
- TADs: These are also called Temporary Anchorage Devices. TADs are small screws of up to 12mm long and 2mm wide. The screws are fixed to the bone in the child’s mouth to make room for a point where force can be applied to move the teeth. TADs are helpful in predictable tooth control.
- Rubber bands: These are also referred to as elastics. Rubber bands are applied to move stubborn jaws and teeth to the targeted position. There are a variety of colors to choose from.
- Headgear: This is an appliance that is fixed to braces from behind the child’s head. These appliances can be easily removed. They act like rubber bands in moving teeth when extra force is required. Any headgear is normally worn during the night when the child is sleeping.
- Retainers: An appliance that helps to keep the child’s teeth in position after the braces have been removed. It may take time for a child’s teeth to feel comfortable in the new position; this is why a retainer is used to prevent them from shifting. Some retainers can be removed while others can be fixed behind the child’s teeth. They can be made of plastic or rubber. Retainers can be used to make an impression – there are retainers that have cool patterns and those that shine when it is dark.
Do Braces Hurt?
Your child could experience discomfort at first but it usually goes away when they are used to the braces. Pain and discomfort may be relieved using treatments such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).
Can a Child be Allergic?
Some kids can react badly to stainless steel. In such cases, your orthodontist will use other appliances.
Some kids can react to the latex gloves used in orthodontic offices, for this reason, Dr. McDermott only uses latex-free gloves.
How Long Will My Child Wear Braces?
This depends on the child’s growth and their teeth condition. Most children wear braces for 18 months and in some cases wear them for even 36 months.
If you suspect that your child has misaligned, crowded or any other tooth condition, you should call Dr. Mike McDermott of McDermott Orthodontics for quality orthodontic treatment.
Braces for Kids
