Smiling With Confidence: The Benefits of Braces for Children’s Dental Health

What does a pediatric orthodontist do?

Pediatric orthodontists are dental specialists who use dental appliances to treat children with crooked teeth. At Minden dental care, our pediatric orthodontists help children find their smile by correcting crooked or twisted teeth and repairing overbites and underbites.

What are pediatric braces?

Pediatric braces are age-appropriate children’s braces. Pediatric braces are constructed to fit a child’s mouth. They move teeth faster than adult braces because a child’s mouth isn’t fully developed, so their teeth and tissues haven’t hardened into a permanent position like an adult’s.

Types of pediatric braces

You can consider several types of braces if your child needs braces. The child braces options listed here each have advantages and disadvantages to consider:

• Traditional braces: When people picture braces, they often picture metal braces because they’re the most common type of braces used. The braces are connected with wires, and pediatric orthodontists tighten the wires every 1-2 months to continue shifting the child’s teeth.
  • Pros: Metal braces attach to the teeth, so children won’t lose or forget to put them in. Metal teeth won’t affect your child’s speech and are the most affordable braces.
  • Cons: Children with metal braces must follow an appropriate oral health routine to look after these braces. It can be challenging for children to brush their teeth.
•  Ceramic braces: Ceramic braces are also known as clear braces. They work like metal braces, but they are made from clear ceramic instead of metal. 
  • Pros: These braces work quickly and are less noticeable than metal ones, so they’re perfect for a child who is sensitive about their appearance.
  • Cons: Ceramic braces are harder to care for, can cause stains, and cost more than metal braces.
• Invisible braces: Invisible braces aren’t noticeable, and wearers remove them from their mouths when eating or cleaning their teeth.
  • Pros: Invisible braces don’t interfere with oral hygiene routines like attached braces do.
  • Cons: It’s possible to lose invisible braces when you remove them. These braces are also more expensive than traditional or ceramic braces.

Talk to an orthodontist near you to learn about the pros and cons of different pediatric braces and their recommendations for your child.

Caring for pediatric braces: how do we take care of braces?

Children need to take specific steps to care for their braces. Those with metal or clear braces should avoid crunchy foods and sticky candies while wearing braces. Children with these braces should also brush their teeth after each meal and floss daily.

Invisible braces should be removed when your child’s eating. You or your child should brush them daily and rinse them with water.

Excellent Dental Care for Children in Minden

When you need excellent dental care for your child in the Minden area, you can rely on Absolute Dental. We are happy to work with you and your child to ensure your child develops strong teeth and healthy gums for a beautiful smile.

Contact our Minden pediatric dentistry team today

Sources:

Napitu, A. (2023). Braces for Kids: Does Your Child Need Them? Styles, Costs, and More.

Silver, S. (2021). How long do braces take?

Torborg, L. (2014). Weekend Wellness: Early initial exam by orthodontist provides baseline assessment of child’s teeth, jaws. 

What is a Pediatric Dentist? (2022). 

What is the best age for braces? (2023).