You leave no stone unturned to ensure that your child follows the best possible oral hygiene routine. So if you notice signs such as bad bites, crooked teeth or thumb-sucking habit in your child, a guessing game starts as to whether your child needs braces or not.
Well, stop guessing and read this article to identify the signs and symptoms which indicate that it’s time for your kid to get braces. However, let’s first look at a few misconceptions prevalent around braces:
- Most people believe that the earlier their children get braces, the better is the result as the teeth are easily ‘movable’ at a young age. This is not true. In most cases, it is better to wait until your child has lost all the baby teeth so that they don’t need an orthodontic treatment of braces a second time around in the later years when his or her face and jaw have finished growing.
- Braces just repair crooked teeth is also a widespread misconception. Braces are not just for straightening misaligned teeth, but they are also helpful in fixing a misaligned jaw or malocclusion. This includes overbites, underbites or crossbites.
- Many parents assume that their children don’t need braces at all. While this may not be incorrect in many cases, you need to identify the signs and symptoms listed in this article to determine whether your kid needs orthodontic treatment or not. Some children may not need any teeth or jaw alignment, while some may only need to wear expanders, while others may need braces or aligners. It’s best to discuss your child’s oral health with your orthodontist from time to time so as to prevent any major orthodontic issues.
What Signs Should You Look out For?
If you notice any of the following signs in your child, it’s time that you visit an orthodontist so as to determine whether or not your child needs braces.
- Protruding Teeth
- Speech Problems
- Thumb Sucking Habit
- Crowded Teeth
- Crossbite, Overbite or Underbite
- Crooked Teeth
- Gapped Teeth
What Are the Treatment Options for Your Kids?
Today, depending on your child’s requirement, the orthodontist may prescribe braces, aligners or some other options to straighten your child’s teeth. Let’s understand these options:
Braces
Traditional metal braces, ceramic braces and lingual braces are types of braces which are used commonly to straighten misaligned teeth. The traditional braces feel more intrusive because of their structure and size. The metal wires gradually shift the teeth in their correct position. Ceramic braces are far less noticeable as compared to the metal braces because they are made from a ceramic material whose color can be customized to match the color of the patient’s teeth. Their function however, is similar to the metal braces. Lingual braces also function in a manner similar to that of metal and ceramic braces. However, they are mounted behind the teeth and hence are invisible. They are a bit less comfortable and more expensive as compared to the other types of braces.
Aligners
Aligners such as Invisalign are one of the most advanced options for straightening crooked teeth. They are customized to fit snugly on the teeth, are practically invisible and have no metal components. These features make these aligners extremely comfortable and they even offer the convenience of removing them while eating and brushing.
Others
This includes retainers, headgears, two-phase treatment etc. Retainers help retain the correct position of teeth post braces. They are important because teeth have the tendency to shift back to their original position even after they are aligned. A two-phase orthodontic treatment plan helps build a strong foundation for proper eruption of permanent teeth and correct development of the jaw. It helps rectify others issues such as bad bites, protruded teeth etc. This greatly reduces the need of any extensive dental surgeries in the later years of your child’s life.
If you have noticed any of the signs listed here in your child and are looking for an orthodontist in Fresno CA, contact our team of dental experts at Thurman Orthodontics today.
Dr. Brian Thurman has spent his entire life enjoying all the beauty that California has to offer. A Fresno native, he still escapes to the ocean or the mountains whenever his busy schedule allows. Driven by his love for natural beauty, Dr. Thurman enjoys creating beautiful smiles and healthy bites that last a lifetime. He is proud to be the only Ivy League trained Orthodontist in the Fresno/Clovis area.