Braces for children are widespread, but how much do you truly understand about them? How do you determine if getting braces is the best option for your child? What are your options?
The Benefits of Dental Braces for Children
In truth, not every kid requires braces. Many youngsters could benefit from good orthodontic therapy, although braces may only improve their physical appearance.
On the other hand, many youngsters require braces to correct crooked teeth and prevent or treat greater oral health problems. Here is a brief overview of some of the advantages of braces for kids.
Visible Benefits
Let's begin with the obvious positives. Getting braces is the greatest technique to achieve straight teeth. If your youngster is self-conscious about their crooked grin, braces can help them improve it.
Not every malocclusion is hazardous. Even if your child's teeth are slightly misaligned and pose no health concern, they may be uncomfortable with them.
If your child never smiles with their teeth in photos or always covers their mouth when laughing, it may indicate that they are unhappy with their smile. A visit to the child's orthodontist can assist.
It is preferable to address the issue when the child is still young. Ask your pediatric dentist about the options. Your child can grow up with straight, beautiful teeth that they will proudly show off!
Better Oral Health
Braces can also improve your oral health. While the sight of straighter teeth is definitely alluring, for many youngsters, braces are actually required. Braces can treat and prevent a variety of future oral health disorders.
Children with excessive crowding may struggle to brush their teeth properly. They may develop tooth decay and cavities, which can cause discomfort, tooth loss, and gum disease. Crooked teeth can make it difficult for children to eat and may increase the likelihood of future tooth fractures.
There are also biting issues to consider. Children with deformed bites may struggle to eat and develop speech problems.
Getting braces for your child can prepare them for a lifetime of good dental health and easy oral care. Help your child maintain a healthy mouth with the timely assistance of an orthodontist in New York City.
How Long Do Children Wear Braces?
The length of your child's orthodontic treatment will be determined by their specific condition and the treatment approach you chose for them. Some children only need braces for a few months. Others wear braces for more than a year.
Children's jaws are still developing; therefore, their teeth move more quickly than adult teeth.
It is important to note that your child will still need to wear a retainer following therapy. If your child is young, you will probably need to remind them of this.
Basic Care for Braces
If your child wears braces or clear aligners, their oral care will not change significantly. They may need to visit the dentist more frequently and brush an extra time or two per day, but otherwise, oral care is simple. Make sure your kid understands how to brush and floss with braces. It takes some getting used to.
You may also need to adjust your child's diet. If patients wear clear aligners, no dietary adjustments are required. If they have braces, they must avoid hard and sticky foods for the duration of treatment.
Are Braces Painful for Children?
Many parents are concerned that braces will be too painful for their children. While braces (and even clear aligners) can be unpleasant, they are manageable, and eventually, the discomfort stops. Of course, braces provide greater comfort than cavities and gum disease.
When your child has their braces tightened or goes to a new clear aligner, they may experience slight pain. An over-the-counter pain reliever should be sufficient to alleviate their suffering. Make them eat soft foods on the days before their appointments. Your orthodontist may also supply your child with orthodontic wax to protect sharp brackets or attachments.
