Recommendations for Children with Braces
Specialists recommend that the first trip to the orthodontist should happen around age 7. Their molars have come through and are easier to get to. If something is wrong, it’s time to start a treatment. Children with braces should be gradually evaluated to get the best results.
Dental health is very important. In fact, very few people have naturally good teeth. Therefore, most people need orthodontic treatment.
However, parents frequently ask themselves certain questions: When should my child start treatment? What do braces require?
When to resort to braces
Although you can start treatment at a young age, it’s best to start when most teeth have fallen out. That is, between ages 9 and 12.
There may be younger children with braces. This is usually due to different factors. For example, they might have an overbite, genetic palate problems or have been using a pacifier or sucking their thumb too long.
What are they for?
Braces have three main objectives:
- Straighten teeth
- Correct functional problems
- Improve the appearance of teeth
Recently, specialists concluded that oral health affects the entire body. This is why preventative and corrective dental treatments are much more popular.
In addition, more parents are aware of this, meaning there are more children with braces. It prevents kids from having low self-esteem by improving their appearance and future health.
When orthodontists treat problems sooner, you can avoid annoying and expensive problems in the future. In fact, you can even avoid other treatments, like surgeries. Also, during childhood, it’s easier to move teeth around. This is because they’re just forming, so they’re easier to change.
Instruments according to the problem
Medical innovations have given us different kinds of dental treatments. Currently, there are different devices for different types of treatments. There are even interceptive braces. Orthodontists use these even if your child hasn’t lost all of his baby teeth.
There are two types of tools to correct dental issues: fixed braces and removable braces.
Fixed braces
These devices stay attached to the teeth, and they’ve become very popular. They realign teeth to make them nice and straight. However, there are other types that are made to correct bad habits.
Removable orthodontics
The user actually manipulates these. They’re light and attached to molars with a small hook. It has very specific uses that are personalized to each patient. Therefore, the results depend entirely on when your child uses them.
The interesting thing is that the technological and medical advances have made these devices lighter and higher quality. In addition, they’re more comfortable and safer. Many times, people don’t even notice them.
“Recently, specialists concluded that oral health affects the entire body. This is why preventative and corrective dental treatments are much more popular.”
What do you need for an orthodontic treatment?
Your specialist will perform certain tests. These include x-rays. This way, they can determine what the problem is and what the best treatment will be.
Recommendations for children with braces
You can take these tips into account so that your child’s life with braces is easier:
- For removable orthodontics, your child should carry a case. That way, he can keep them safe while he eats.
- Your child needs to brush his teeth and keep good oral hygiene. In addition, he needs to make sure to keep his braces clean.
- Always go to your child’s necessary checkups. That way, you won’t delay the treatment.
Following these tips may prevent your child from needing to have braces longer than necessary. Therefore, your doctor may make adjustments at every appointment, causing physical discomfort. This is especially true for braces.
Remember, overbite and other teeth-related problems are more common than you’d think. They can even affect the way your child talks, chews and breathes.
Therefore, don’t take it lightly. Take your child to the dentist to start taking care of his health in every way.