A Few Things Parents Must Know Before Their Child’s Braces Treatment
Braces are a common treatment offered by orthodontists in Irvine to align your child’s teeth and allow them to have a healthier, better-looking smile. Our team at iSmiles Orthodontics understands that braces treatment can seem complicated, so we have compiled a list of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that parents have about their child’s orthodontic treatment.
What is Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment involves the proper alignment of misaligned teeth using orthodontic devices called braces.
Dental braces for children in Irvine contain wires, brackets, and rubber bands. They are safe and don’t typically pose any risk of injury. As time goes on, the wires are tightened to place tension on your child’s teeth and force them into the correct position. Orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from 3 months to 18 months, depending on the severity of the misalignment.
Why is Teeth Alignment Important?
Besides providing a less than ideal appearance, misaligned teeth can also cause oral health issues. When your child has crowded or overlapping teeth, there are areas that your child’s toothbrush will not be able to reach, which increases the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
Braces work to align teeth and help eliminate this problem, creating a perfect set of teeth and preventing future oral health issues. Aligning treatment also helps in improving chewing and swallowing.
When to Get Dental Braces?
There is no specific age that is best to get braces. Your child’s dentist may notice something irregular about the development of their teeth and recommend they see an orthodontist.
The main reason why children need to get dental braces is because of malocclusion, also known as a bad bite. This happens because of the improper size or shape of one or both of the jaws.
An overbite is when the front upper teeth overlap the front lower teeth, and an underbite is when the lower front teeth overlap the upper front teeth. Both of these cases can also be corrected with braces.
Not every sort of misalignment requires dental braces. Some mild overcrowding, for example, will not pose a big threat to dental health if the child is diligent about thoroughly brushing and flossing.
What Are the Types of Dental Braces?
There are many types of braces for children near you that differ in size and material. All of them work toward the same goal, and some are better for certain patients than others. Your orthodontist will recommend the type of braces they feel will be best for your child at your child’s braces consultation. Some options include lingual, mini, metal, and ceramic braces.
Are There Alternatives to Dental Braces?
Invisible teeth aligners are becoming increasingly popular among children. These are clear, plastic trays that work the same way that braces do, but they tend to be less effective. Invisible teeth aligners are good for kids who have mild misalignment, but your child’s orthodontist will not recommend them if your child has severe malocclusion.
Invisible aligners also tend to be more expensive than dental braces and will need to be replaced throughout treatment.
What Are the Dietary Restrictions Associated with Dental Braces?
Because of the nature of dental braces, some dietary changes are required. Children should generally avoid hard and sticky foods such as popcorn, chocolates, chips, and soda. Sticky, sugary, and starchy foods can generate acids that can cause tooth decay. As well, sticky and hard foods can damage brackets and wires.
Ensure that you are getting your child’s dental braces from a certified and reliable orthodontist you can trust. Our team at iSmiles Orthodontics is happy to provide braces for your child, and our orthodontist near you is happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Please call us to book a consultation today!
