Does your Child Need Braces?
Braces are beneficial to children with misaligned teeth that usually cause embarrassment or pain. When your child gets older, you may wonder whether or not they need braces. You need to bring your child to a dentist before they turn one year old. Detecting orthodontic issues early will prevent any further complications. Dental braces are beneficial to children with misaligned teeth and those with certain oral practices.
Signs your Child Needs Braces
If your child is showing any of the following symptoms, bring them to a dentist to know the best option for them:
- They are losing their baby teeth too early or too late. Losing baby teeth too early can result in the teeth moving into the empty spaces while the permanent teeth are growing. Also, losing baby teeth too late can cause the teeth to be misaligned.
- They have misaligned jaw. Bite issues result from jaws that do not match correctly. If the teeth of your child do not line up correctly, they will find it hard to chew or bite their tongue or cheek frequently. Being aware of your child’s jaw issues will help you know if they need braces.
- They have crowded teeth. Crowded teeth can lead to many issues like uncomfortable chewing or biting, irregular teeth alignment, and mouth breathing. In fact, it can make it difficult for your child to brush and floss their teeth properly, which will result in the buildup of plaque in their mouth and tooth decay.
- They sucked their thumb for a while. If your child has a history of thumb-sucking, your child may have protruding front teeth or crowded bottom teeth. The majority of kids stop their thumb-sucking habit when they reach the age of two or four. But, if your child continues the habit while their permanent teeth are coming in, they may need braces.
When your Child Need Braces
The American Dental Association says that orthodontic treatment starts between the ages of 8 and 14. Thus, earlier intervention in some cases can result in better results. But, there are cases when it is better to put off any kind of intervention until the mouth of the child has had more time to develop. Because every situation is difficult, it is best to visit a dentist to get your child thoroughly examined and learn how to treat their particular problem. Go to this site to know the options available for your child.
Dental Braces vs Invisalign
Before, the only option for children with misaligned or crowded teeth was dental braces which are quite noticeable. But, today, they can benefit from the reliability and invisibility of Invisalign aligners which matches the color of natural teeth. This treatment is composed of smooth, comfortable, BPA-free clear plastic that makes them unnoticeable. Also, most people prefer Invisalign aligners over traditional braces they can be removed at mealtime and brushing as well as do not require dietary restrictions. But, these aligners should be worn at least 20-22 hours every day and may not suitable for children with serious crowding or alignment problems.