Braces For Kids
Children may require braces for multiple reasons, such as overlapping, crooked, or overcrowded teeth. They can also be used to cure an overbite or underbite, where there is a difference between the upper and lower jaw sizes.
Tooth issues can be caused for different reasons, including accidents, thumb sucking, genetics, or early loss of baby teeth. If your child requires braces, their dentist would probably point out the need for them during a regular visit. Here are the types of braces you can opt for:
Traditional Braces
These are the most tried and tested dental care tool. They involve teeth straightening with the help of archwires, brackets, and elastic bands. The brackets are fixed to the teeth using a special adhesive, while the archwires exert pressure to gently make the teeth slide into their proper positions. Traditional braces are excellent for curing severe misalignment. They allow the dentist optimal control to manage complex cases. Moreover, these braces are a cost-effective solution for your child’s dental woes.
Self-Ligating Braces
These are advanced braces that make use of metal clips to keep the archwires and brackets in place. The highlight of self-ligating braces is that they generally straighten teeth faster than traditional braces. As these braces do not involve rubber bands, they do not cause any friction during teeth movement. This leads to quicker treatment time and fewer visits to the dentist. Self-ligating braces have the advantage of being robust and durable. You do not need to worry about your child damaging them during daily activities.
Ceramic Braces
These braces come with clear brackets. They are best for teenagers who are conscious about their appearance and do not want their braces to be too noticeable. However, ceramic braces may be larger than traditional ones, making them possibly uncomfortable for children. Moreover, they may also be relatively fragile, so your child may damage them while chewing or playing.
Invisalign
Invisalign enables the dentist to straighten teeth without the use of metal braces. Instead of brackets and wires, they consist of a series of clear aligners that cover the teeth. A high tech scanner is used to take a virtual impression of the teeth to customize an invisalign. They are usually replaced every two weeks. The prime benefit of invisalign is that they are virtually unnoticeable. Moreover, they can be easily removed while eating and brushing teeth.
Lingual Braces
These are attached to the back of your teeth, making them invisible when you smile. Like the invisalign, these are a good option for kids who do not want their braces to look obvious. Lingual braces consist of a metal appliance with brackets that are custom-made to match the shape of your teeth. They are able to effectively rectify bite issues in children while being unnoticeable. However, lingual braces may cost you more than traditional ones. Moreover, they can be initially uncomfortable and even give your child a temporary lisp. Depending on the age and dental issue, you can opt for various types of braces for your child, such as traditional braces, self-ligating braces, ceramic braces, invisalign and lingual braces. Make sure your child learns to care for their braces and keep them clean. If you think your child needs teeth alignment, or if they have a braces emergency, schedule an appointment with us at Dr. Amy James and Associates Orthodontists by calling us at (856) 216-8009 today.
