Orthodontics, best known by its tools of the trade – braces – is a special discipline of dentistry concerned with aligning the teeth and jaws to improve your child’s smile and oral health.
Braces today are smaller and less conspicuous – and a bit more sophisticated than the conventional gun-metal wire straps. While they still utilize wire straps, newer appliances are much more comfortable. In fact, traditional metal braces can be replaced by clear braces and braces from behind.
Braces generally come in three varieties:
- Brackets, usually made from metal, plastic or ceramic, are bonded to teeth.
- Lingual braces are brackets that attach to the back of teeth, hidden from view.
- Bands are the traditional type that covers most of your teeth with metal strips that wrap around the teeth.
- Clear retainer-like appliances
If required, the American Academy of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends orthodontic evaluations for most children beginning around seven years old.
Orthodontia is a multi-stage process. First, pretreatment records are made to make an accurate diagnosis. They include medical/dental history, clinical examination, plaster study models of teeth, photos of your face and teeth, and X-rays of your mouth and head. This information will be used to decide on the best treatment.
A custom treatment plan includes recommendations for a specific treatment appliance, such as braces or space maintainers, which are best suited to correct your child’s orthodontic problem.
During the “active treatment” phase, orthodontic appliances are in place. Appliances are adjusted periodically so that the teeth are moved correctly and efficiently. The time required for orthodontic treatment varies from person to person. Two phases of active treatment are somtimes needed for early orthodontic intervention. An important factor in how long your child wears braces is how well he or she cooperates during treatment.
During the post treatment, or “retention” phase, the child typically wears a retainer so that the teeth stay in their new positions. For severe orthodontic problems, surgery may be necessary.
When do kids need braces?
If required, the American Academy of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends orthodontic evaluations for most children beginning around seven years old.
Dental Braces for Children
Around 2 or 3 we can start to see “bad bites” starting to form in children. Taking early steps can help reduce the need for or length of time in orthodontic care in the future for your child.
Stage I Orthodontics
(Early Treatment)
This treatment can range from 2 to 6 years of age. There are several things we look for at this age including underdeveloped arches, losing baby teeth prematurely, and harmful habits such as finger/thumb sucking. When treatment can be used at this age it is often very successful.
Stage II Orthodontics
(Mixed Dentition)
Between the ages of 6-12 years old, we start to see the eruption of the permanent front teeth and the 6-year molars. In this state we are looking at the jaw malocclusion and dental alignment issues. This is typically a great age to start orthodontic treatment as indicated for your child. Treatment at this age is ideal due to the responsiveness from both the soft and hard tissue to the orthodontic movement.
Stage III Orthodontics
(Adolescent Dentition)
In the final stage we are dealing with your child’s permanent teeth and the final bite relationship. The length of time will range based on the needs of your individual child.
Cosmetic issues
Today’s braces are generally less noticeable than their predecessors. Brackets, the part of the braces that hold the wires, are bonded to the front of the teeth. These brackets can be metal, clear, or tooth-colored.
Wires that are used for braces today are also less noticeable. Today`s wires are made of “space age” materials that exert a steady, gentle pressure on the teeth, making the tooth-moving process faster and more comfortable for patients. In some cases, brackets may be put on the back of the teeth.
Patients typically wear braces for about 24 months, although this varies based on the severity of the problem, the health of the teeth, gums and supporting bone and how closely the patient follows instructions. Usually, adult treatment takes a little longer.
Comfort issues
During the treatment phase of orthodontia, it is necessary to periodically re-tighten the interconnecting wires. This causes mild pressure on the brackets or bands to shift teeth or jaws gradually into a desired position. Your child’s teeth and jaws may feel slightly sore after such a visit, but the discomfort is short-lived.
Hygiene issues
If your child wears braces, avoid some kinds of foods, such as sweets, chips and pop. Sugary and starchy foods generate acids and plaque that can cause tooth decay and promote gum disease. Cut healthy hard foods like carrots or apples into smaller pieces.
And by all means, avoid sticky chewy sweets, such as caramel, which can cause wire damage and loosen brackets. Avoid hard and crunchy snacks such as popcorn, nuts, and hard candy, because these can break braces.
Oral hygiene is extremely important during the treatment phase of orthodontia. Insufficient cleaning while wearing braces can cause enamel staining around brackets or bands. Braces have tiny spaces where food particles and plaque get trapped.
- Brush carefully after every meal with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Rinse thoroughly and check your teeth in the mirror to make sure they are clean.
- Floss between braces and under wires with the help of a floss threader.
- Have your teeth cleaned every six months to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
Space maintainers
Space maintainers can be very important to your child’s long-term oral health. If your child loses a baby tooth early through guidance eruption, decay or injury, his or her other teeth could shift and begin to fill the vacant space. When your child`s permanent teeth emerge, there`s not enough room for them. The result is crooked or crowded teeth and difficulties with chewing or speaking.
Space maintainers are used to hold the spot left by the lost tooth until the permanent tooth emerges. The space maintainer might be a band or a temporary crown attached to one side of the vacant space. Later, as the permanent tooth emerges, the device is removed.
If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist for your child, look no further than Children’s Dental Zone. You can schedule your appointment right here on our website, or if you’d prefer to meet us and “scope out the place” before scheduling your appointment, feel free to drop by our Johns Creek pediatric dental practice at any time.
We would love the opportunity to give you a tour of our office and show you how we can take care of your child.
We look forward to meeting you and the rest of your precious family!