Orhtodontics Children

According to the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), up to 4 Million Americans already use braces. Since teeth alignment issues are often diagnosed during childhood or early adolescence, the majority of people that use braces are children. In fact, only about 20 percent of people that use braces are adults.

Getting orthodontic treatment for your kid not only improves their appearance and self-confidence but also promotes better oral health. Thanks to recent technological advancements, orthodontics for children has become even more efficient and customizable. This post details all you need to know about orthodontics for children.

Why Your Child Needs Orthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that every child should get an orthodontic check up by age seven. This enables them to catch irregularities on time and nip them in the bud before they become worse as time goes on. At the age of seven, a child’s jawbone is still malleable and developing, so treatments are easier. Also, the combination of primary and permanent teeth at that age affords the orthodontist some insights into the issues.

It is very common for children to display orthodontic discrepancies from a young age. Depending on whether the case is severe or mild, the orthodontist can either choose to monitor the situation or intervene. Furthermore, there are a lot of benefits to the decision to get orthodontic treatment for children at a young age. Catching teeth alignment issues early and fixing them helps prevent costly future treatments. It also boosts the child’s confidence during their formative years and prevents long-term dental issues. Orthodontics for children also helps to prevent and treat certain speech issues. Of course, not all children will need orthodontic treatments, which is why getting a check-up is recommended.

How To Know if Your Child Needs Braces

According to a survey carried out in 1998, only about 35 percent of adults have properly aligned teeth. This shows that most people would have benefited from orthodontic treatment as children. So how do you know if your child needs orthodontic treatment? The following are some of the signs of teeth alignment issues to watch out for in children:

  • Breathing through the mouth/snoring
  • Baby teeth that do not develop on time
  • Protruding teeth
  • Thumb sucking even after the age of five
  • Crowded front teeth by the age of seven
  • Visibly crowded or crooked teeth
  • If your child frequently bites or cuts his tongue
  • Trouble pronouncing certain words

Orthodontic Treatment Options for Kids

The good thing about seeking orthodontic treatment for your kid is that several options exist. Orthodontic treatment options for kids range from traditional metal braces to more modern clear aligners. Each of these options has its own unique pros and cons. Typically, the orthodontist will talk to you about your options and recommend the best one for you based on your unique situation.

Braces

The most popular treatment option for children is braces. Braces are the best option for treating crooked and crowded teeth, jaw issues, and misaligned bites. Traditional braces are made from metallic materials. However, braces have undergone a lot of innovations over the years. They are now sleeker and more comfortable for kids than ever before. They’re also semi-permanent, which makes them more convenient to manage when used for orthodontic treatment for kids.

Clear Aligners (Invisalign)

Clear aligners such as Invisalign have become a mainstream option that is widely accepted by kids and adults alike. It is always the next best option for people who do not want to deal with the cumbersome nature of braces. Aligners can be used for kids who are shy and self-conscious. They put subtle pressure on the teeth to realign and are barely noticeable. However, since they’re removable, the effectiveness of aligners is often dependent on discipline. One has to wear aligners for at least 20 hours per day to be effective. For kids, parents would need to be in charge of making sure their kids wear their aligners.

Retainers

Retainers prevent teeth from going back to their original position mostly after treatments. They are used to maintain results that were achieved during the course of the orthodontic treatment.

Getting Started on Your Child’s Orthodontic Journey

The first stage is finding a trusted and skilled orthodontist to evaluate, diagnose the problem, and provide a customized treatment for your kid. During the first visit, it is customary for the orthodontist to check for bite complexities, malocclusion, or protruding teeth. If your child has any of these issues, the orthodontist will kickstart what is known as a phase one treatment.

During this period, children can wear retainers or partial braces for about 9–18 months, depending on the issue. Afterward, the orthodontist will determine whether phase two will be required or not. During the first exam, the orthodontist will also provide sufficient information about the actual orthodontic issue, the treatment options, costs, and the timeframe.

At OMG Smiles, we recommend that parents psychologically prepare their children for their first orthodontic visit by discussing their dental concerns with them and the treatment options available. Children are inspired by their parents, so it is important that parents feel hopeful about the good that will come out of the treatments and not feed the fears of children.

One recurring misconception about kids is that because they are young, their teeth straighten out as the child grows. In reality, this hardly ever occurs, so treatment should be taken more seriously in childhood. According to the AAO, the space for the front set of teeth to grow does not expand with growth because after the permanent molars come in, there is less space for the front teeth, which can inevitably lead to protruding teeth or crooked teeth. Such untreated issues go a long way toward accelerating worse dental issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and broken front teeth.

Let OMG Smiles Handle Your Child’s Orthodontic Needs

If you have decided that your child is in need of orthodontic treatment, and you need a skilled orthodontist in Waterbury, then OMG Smiles should be at the top of your list. Our dedicated team of orthodontists have years of expertise and are competent and fully dedicated to their profession of crafting beautiful and healthy smiles both for adults and kids.

Beyond medical expertise, OMG Smiles is dedicated to providing the best service at the most affordable cost. Over the years, we have created a reputation of professionalism and respect and are dishing out high-quality services to our numerous clients. Get in touch with our dedicated team today and arrange an orthodontic consultation for your child.