Have you been told that your child needs braces, or do you think that they might? You probably have a lot of questions running through your mind, which is why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to braces for kids.
There are many types of brace available for treating children’s teeth. These include traditional metal braces as well as more modern styles like invisible braces.
In this article Shinbi Dentist will help you to answer all the questions concerned about children’s braces.
When to visit an orthodontist?
You should take your child to the dentist every six months to check their overall oral health as well as the development of their teeth. If the dentist is concerned about your child’s teeth they will refer him/her to an orthodontist – a dentist who specialises in correcting tooth and jaw alignment problems.
Signs that your child may need braces include:Losing baby teeth early or late
- Crowded teeth
- Teeth coming through in the wrong position
- Teeth that don’t make contact
- Difficulty eating or biting
- They often bite their cheeks
- Thumb sucking or dummy use past age 6
Many orthodontists recommend that children visit by age 7, when their adult teeth have begun appearing. By this stage, any alignment issues should be apparent and the orthodontist can plan their treatment – even if it won’t begin for another few years. Identifying the need for braces early on means your child can be treated in the most effective way possible.
But even if your child is in their teens, it’s not too late to begin treatment. If you have any concerns, mention it to their dentist or book an appointment directly with an orthodontist.
At what age can children have orthodontic barces?
Although braces can straighten teeth an any age, they are usually more effective on children whose bones are still growing and forming. Treatment often begins once most adult teeth have erupted, so around age 10-14.
However, some children start treatment as early as age 7 or 8 if there is a medical reason to do so. A lot depends on the type of problem they have and how their adult teeth are coming through. Early treatment can help:
- Guide growth of the jaw bone
- Move teeth into the correct position as they emerge
- Reduce the risk of injury to prominent teeth
- Make space for erupting teeth
- Lower the chances of teeth becoming impacted under gums
- Improve facial aesthetics
But this doesn’t mean that all children need to start treatment early. In some cases it’s better to wait until more adult teeth have come through.
What types of braces are available in orthodontics?
- Traditional metal braces: This is the most common type of braces, and they are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a unique and colorful smile.
- Ceramic braces: Since they are made of clear materials, ceramic braces are less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adults who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene, as ceramic braces are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teet
- Invisalign (clear braces): Invisalign is the latest technology of braces consists of a series of 18 to 30 custom-made, mouth guard-like clear plastic aligners. The aligners are removable and are replaced every 2 weeks.
Almost invisible, will not work for serious dental problems, only available for adults and teens, not children more expensive option can be easily lost and costly to replace, treatment may potentially take longer.
What do braces for kids cost at Shinbi Dental?
At Shinbi Dental Clinic, we offer a monthly installment payment plan and pay off at the day put on bracket appointment also. Dental insurance can help cover some costs.
TREATMENS | FEE |
Metal Braces | |
Ceramic Braces | |
Invisalign (Clear Braces) |