Orthodontics for Kids
The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to create a healthy tooth alignment and jaw position, which contributes to a functional bite. When the teeth and jaw are in an aligned position, they function correctly. This promotes to general well-being and good oral health. Moreover, a perfect smile after an orthodontic procedure is added bonus.
If your child has crooked teeth or a jaw that is misaligned, consult a dentist. So that they can refer them to an orthodontist. An orthodontist is specialised in orthodontic appliances, which include, bands, brackets, headgear, wire, rubber bands, clear aligners and retainers.
Why do kids need orthodontic treatment?
There are a number of reasons due to which kids need orthodontic treatment, which include, overlapping, crooked or overcrowded teeth. Other than that, they may also suffer from malocclusion. Malocclusion in simple terms means a difference in size between the maxillary(upper) and mandibular(lower) jaw. Moreover, when the upper jaw is bigger than the lower jaw, it is termed as overbite, whereas when the lower jaw is bigger, it is termed as underbite.
There is no definitive reason behind these problems that occur, but it can be either due to early loss of deciduous(baby) teeth, accidents or thumb sucking. Although, it is a hereditary condition mostly. So, if the ancestors had mal-aligned teeth, there is a likely chance that the kids will as well.
The dentist is the first person who notices these problems during a regular follow-up and recommends the child to consult an orthodontist. The orthodontist makes the decision of whether the child requires braces or not and which treatment plan would be best.
Orthodontic treatment does not have a set date. Some kids get it done as early as six years and some go when they are teenagers. In addition to that, adults too require orthodontic treatment a lot of times. It is recommended by dentists that kids should visit one when their permanent teeth start erupting, which is at the age of seven. Uneven bite and overcrowding start becoming evident at this age.
Types of Braces
There are tremendous number of dental appliances used. However, braces are the primary means for orthodontic correction.
Braces aren’t shiny metal in your mouth anymore. Moreover, unlike the past, when teeth used to be banded completely, brackets are directly bonded to each tooth.
The materials used to make braces are
• Stainless steel
• Ceramic
• Plastic
• Combination of materials
These give the braces a clear or tooth colored appearance. The wires are made of materials like copper-titanium and nickel-titanium. Requiring less adjustments compared to stainless steel, these materials are longer lasting as well.
As the time has passed, clear, invisible aligners are also available now, which straighten the teeth without traditional wires and brackets.
Other appliances in orthodontics include:
• TAD- Temporary anchor devices
• Rubber bands, also known as elastics
Final Verdict
It is definitely worth the effort and patience to go through an orthodontic treatment because aligned teeth are more than just attractive, they keep the mouth healthy for life.
Would you like us to look at your son’s or daughter’s teeth to see if they need braces treatment? Contact us for an introductory meeting.
