Convincing children to orthodontic treatment like braces can seem like an impossible task. On one hand, they may be excited about the idea of perfect teeth and smile, while on the other hand, they may feel anxious about the pain and discomfort. But currently, with the advanced technology, getting braces is less painful.
The dentist in Arlington Heights, IL, and their team of orthodontists are highly experienced dental specialists who offer customized braces for children with minimal pain and discomfort.
Uses of braces
Orthodontic procedures like braces can correct the following flaws in children:
- Missing teeth
- Extra teeth
- Malaligned, crooked, or crowded teeth
- An overbite
- An open bite
- An underbite
- Incorrect jaw position
Causes of misalignment
Malalignment of teeth can occur due to a genetic predisposition that is acquired from a family member. Other acquired habits causing misalignment include:
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Prolonged pacifier use
- Poor oral hygiene
- Poor nutrition
The ideal age for getting braces
In most cases, dentists believe the ideal age for braces and other orthodontic treatments is between 10 and 15 years of age. This is the most active stage of growth and development in children. During this age, the bones are more flexible, and easy to correct the flaws and move the teeth to a desired position. Appropriate teeth and jaw movements may typically require less time and effort to achieve the desired results.
Proper oral care for children with braces
The following tips are helpful to maintain good oral hygiene in children with braces:
- Brush the teeth twice daily and after every meal with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss daily between the teeth and braces
- Use a proxabrush (an interdental brush) to remove food and debris from between the teeth
- Use an oral irrigator to remove debris between the teeth, brackets, and wires
- Avoid hard or sticky foods that may damage the orthodontic brackets and wires, or cause food lodgement
Types of orthodontic appliances used for children
There are multiple orthodontic appliances that work wonders on children to correct dental imperfections. These include:
- Fixed braces: These comprise brackets fixed to each tooth and connected with an archwire.
- Removable, clear braces: These include clear aligners such as Invisalign that can be removed as and when required.
- Fixed appliances: These include space maintainers and expanders that are usually fixed and cannot be removed.
- Headgear: These are customized devices used to treat developmental irregularities.
- Retainers: These devices are used in the retention phase to maintain the results achieved during the active phase. It ensures your teeth maintain a proper alignment and do not regress back to misalignment.
Your child’s smile and oral health are equally important. Ensure to correct dental flaws like malocclusion and misalignment through early orthodontic evaluation and management.
