What to Know About Braces for Kids

It is the dream of everyone to provide his/her child with the best smile. Many things hinder these goals, but there is always a solution. The best solution is to visit an orthodontist. He can help you chose the best braces for your kid.

Book Now for Braces Treatment in Lancaster

An orthodontist is a dentist qualified to provide people with better smiles, mostly through the use of braces. There are different types of braces, and the best one for your kid depends on his/her condition. In this article, we will learn more about orthodontic treatment for kids.

Types of Braces for Kids

There are several types of these braces, mostly classified as clear and traditional braces. Traditional braces are made of standard metal, and they are placed on your kid’s teeth using adhesive and connected by wires. Nowadays, even traditional braces are super comfortable. They are smaller and sleeker.

Braces for kids are used to correct misaligned bites and straighten your kid’s teeth. There are some people who are not perfect candidates for clear braces. Traditional braces can be used to straighten anyone’s teeth. You can contact us if you are looking for traditional braces for children.

Clear braces are less noticeable, and they still get the job done. The most common clear braces include ceramic and lingual braces. Invisalign is a newer option for clear braces, but they are not always perfect for everyone. You should talk to your dentist first before you go for Invisalign.

Advantages of Traditional Braces

• Traditional braces are more effective when it comes to treating extremely overcrowded teeth.
• Traditional braces can last for a longer time.
• They are less expensive compared to clear braces.

Cons

• Traditional braces are very noticeable.
• Harder to take care of compared to clear braces
• Non-removable. Your kid has to wear them fulltime until the end of treatment.

When Should My Kid Start Seeing an Orthodontist?

The ADA recommends that a kid should start orthodontic treatment by the time he/she is seven. However, most kids start this treatment between eight and 14. Talk to your dentist, and he will provide you with the exact time when your kid should start seeing an orthodontist.

You should ensure to correct your child’s problem while it is still growing. The earlier he starts the treatment, the better. Overgrown problems require extensive work, and it takes more time.

Can Any Dentist Provide Orthodontic Treatment?

Most dentists have been trained on how to provide orthodontic treatment. Even your kid’s pediatric dentist can provide children’s braces. However, if your kid requires extensive orthodontic work, you should see an orthodontist.

An orthodontist receives further training for two more years on orthodontic treatment. You can count on an orthodontist with any orthodontic issue. It is their specialization to fix problems such as misaligned bites, teeth, and jaw.

Do Braces Have Side Effects?

Well, some children are allergic to metal, and this can lead to irritation of their gums, which can encourage infections. If your kid is allergic to metal, the dentist can use other materials.

Other kids are allergic to latex. If your child is allergic to metal, talk to your orthodontist to use non-latex gloves.

Discomfort is part of the treatment, especially during the first days. Look out for gum swelling. This is not an allergic reaction, though. Your orthodontist will provide you with special instructions on how to handle these situations.

Taking Care of Braces

Traditional braces are not as hard to take care of as most people think. However, your kid will have to avoid some kinds of foods for some time. Foods such as soft candies, popcorn, nuts, chewing gum, gummies, and other unfriendly foods to braces.

Contact our Pediatric Dentist in Lancaster today!

You should then ensure that your kid brushes his or her teeth appropriately. Maintaining proper hygiene ensures that your kid’s braces don’t stain, and his teeth remain as beautiful as ever. Your dentist will most-definitely recommend a special kind of toothbrush for braces. Don’t forget to visit your dentist for checkups.

Final Thoughts

Traditional braces for braces are perfect orthodontic treatment. They are more effective and less expensive. Your child can get his/her desired smile by using these appliances. If you are in Lancaster, visit Kids First Dental, and we will help your kid. Book an appointment now!