Brace for It: A Guide to Orthodontics

Dental health is about more than just brushing and flossing. As kids grow, their teeth and jaws change, and often need extra support, like braces. Whether it’s straightening crooked teeth, correcting a bite issue, or preventing snoring down the road, a visit to the orthodontist plays an important role in setting kids up for a healthy, confident smile.

How to Tell Your Child Might Need Braces

Typically, your child’s dentist will refer you to the orthodontist at the appropriate time, but if you notice some of the following in your child’s mouth, you may want to be proactive in seeking consultation with an orthodontist.

• Visibly crooked or crowded teeth
• Difficulty in flossing and brushing effectively
• Frequent biting of the tongue or inside of the cheek
• Jaw discomfort or a clicking sound when chewing or upon waking
• Irregular loss of baby teeth in childhood
• Delayed or late eruption of adult teeth
• Problems with chewing or biting food
• The presence of an underbite or overbite
• Missing or extra teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Facial imbalance
• Teeth grinding or clenching

The Path to a Million-Dollar Smile

Orthodontic care is not an overnight fix. It’s a journey that has its ups and downs, but the result is usually worth the time and money invested.

• The consultation and diagnosis will take 1-2 visits. The orthodontist will evaluate your child’s teeth, jaws and facial structure, and they may take X-rays or digital scans.
• The braces are fitted and placed in one visit.
• Adjustments will occur every 4-12 weeks, depending on the care needed.
• Treatment ranges from 12-24 months.
• After treatment, there is the retention phase, where your child will likely wear an orthodontic retainer for a certain period of time.

Braces vs. Aligners

Braces and clear aligners are the two most common treatments to adjust crooked teeth. There are several different products that can help your child. The right choice depends on your child’s needs and the complexity of their orthodontic case.

• Traditional metal braces: Durable, reliable and usually, the most affordable
• Ceramic braces: Tooth-colored or clear brackets or wires, so they’re less noticeable
• Self-ligating braces: Brackets feature built-in clips or doors instead of rubber bands
• Lingual braces: Mounted on the back sides of the teeth, making them virtually invisible
• Clear aligners: Removable tray products, like Invisalign

Braces are reliable, as they stay in place and work continuously. They are used to treat more complex cases. The ability to change out the bands can make it more fun and colorful for kids. They require careful cleaning, and your child will have to spend more time brushing and flossing. There are some foods that should be avoided and precautions your child should take while eating.

Aligners are nearly invisible, and they can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing. They may be more comfortable, since there are no wires or brackets, and are recommended for more moderate cases. They are easier to clean than braces, but teeth must be spotless before reapplying them. With aligners, a patient must avoid drinking soft drinks, flavored waters or sports drinks. Aligners also need consistency, as they’re supposed to be worn 20-22 hours per day.

Braces are often best for younger patients who may forget or misplace their aligners, while clear aligners can be a great option for older children who can handle the responsibility.

Sources: aaoinfo.org, dentaldepot.net, invisalign.com, denveryouthdentistry.com