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Kids Braces

Which braces are best for kids? What are the cheapest and most effective choices for parents? Braces today are a lot better than the hardware of old that made you look like Jaws out of the James Bond movie. They are more comfortable to wear, look better, and treatment time is quicker as more force can be used to quickly push the teeth into position.

Dentists are now treating kids at a much earlier age than before. Braces used to be only used once all the permanent teeth had surfaced. Now, many orthodontists work with younger children who still have baby teeth to minimize the disruption caused by the secondary teeth, and to save on much more complicated treatments later on when the secondary teeth have already grown into position.

What are the benefits?
Teenagers and younger undertaking orthodontic treatment benefit not only from a better smile, but also from better oral hygiene. Crooked teeth can he hard to floss and brush, and can easily be prone to food deposits. Better alignment can lead to less trauma on gums and can help immeasurably to promote a better bite with less grinding pressure on the teeth. When performed at an early age, much better longer lasting results can be obtained. The teeth and more malleable and the teeth tend to stay in position much better than with adults. Trauma to root by the application of concerted force by the braces over time is much less likely in younger people. If you have the benefits of working with a good orthodontist, you can ensure that your child has a great set of teeth that they can keep for life.

Kidsbraces and retainers
Teenagers will have to wear a retainer for six months or longer to ensure the tooth do travel back.

What are the issues and problems with Kids Braces?
While orthodontic treatment is much more successful amongst teens than adults, treating teens does have it's issues. Not wearing the retainer or removable braces can be a disaster. It's often wise to go for the non-removable option every day, just to stop any possibility of this expense treatment not working. Other common issues are brushing teeth with braces, staining and cosmetic issues, pain as the teeth move.

Root Damage
Root damage is much more common in adult with severe long-term orthodontic treatments - 2 years plus, than with teens. However, if you have severe or complex bite or adjustment needs, you may be at additional risk of root damage due to orthodontic treatment. See here for more details.