As a parent, you may have asked yourself this, considering how many people you see just outside alone wear braces. You commonly see teenagers wear braces, but if your child is way younger, will getting them braces even make a difference? The short answer is yes.
In this article, you’ll learn about the different types of orthodontic treatments in Brooklyn, as well as determine the right time your child should start getting them. So, keep reading ahead!
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a subfield of dentistry that focuses on malocclusion treatment. Orthodontists provide appliances that are either fixed or removable to treat the patient’s bite issues. The main goal is always to fix the misalignment of the patient’s teeth or their bite so that they can have a beautiful smile throughout time.
The Different Types of Orthodontic Treatment
There are many kinds of orthodontic treatments such as metal braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, and retainers. They are all more or less similar with a few notable differences. The number of options gives the patient the privilege to choose which treatment they prefer.
The best way to determine which child orthodontics treatment will work for your kid is by consulting with an orthodontist.
#1 – Traditional Metal Braces
This is the most common way of straightening one’s teeth. Despite other kinds of braces, many patients still turn to traditional metal braces because of how effective the treatment is. Metal braces have brackets, bands, and wires that apply pressure on one’s teeth and make them shift gradually into the proper alignment.
Orthodontists recommend this kind of braces for kids because there’s a fun element to it–choosing different colored bands which usually gets the children excited. Colors range from red to yellow, pink, blue, and even orange!
#2 – Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are made similarly to traditional metal braces in terms of the component, however, elastics are not necessary for this. This means there are less appointment schedules and friction placed on the teeth.
The brackets can be made out of metal, ceramic, or clear material. Additionally, there’s a special clip inserted instead of elastics to assist the archwire in guiding the teeth to shift into the ideal position.
#3 – Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are a more discreet version of traditional metal braces. They are less visible, making this option more attractive to older teenagers and adults who have concerns with the braces.
Ceramic braces require a little more care because they have a tendency to be more brittle compared to metal ones. Because of this, ceramic braces are more common on just the top set of teeth than the bottom set.
#4 – Invisalign
An alternative to braces, Invisalign is a virtually invisible orthodontic treatment for bite and misalignment issues. This treatment is very popular because of how convenient it is. Instead of wires and brackets, Invisalign uses removable clear aligners to shift the teeth into their correct alignment. It is typically higher in cost but there are ways to make it less expensive such as insurance and promos.
Child Orthodontics and Braces
Child orthodontics may seem terrifying, but it shouldn’t be! Your child becomes more secure and confident when they know they have a beautiful smile. Orthodontists recommend getting braces between the ages of 10-14 years old, this is due to the fact that kids with these ages have most (if not all) their adult teeth emerged, and their jawbone tissue is softer, making it still responsive to reshifting.
The Right Time For Your Child Should See an Orthodontist
Children should have their first visit to the orthodontist before they turn seven years old, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Although undergoing treatment may not be necessary, it’s still important to have their teeth checked by an orthodontist in order to see if there are any issues.
Signs Your Child Should Get Braces
Deciding whether or not to get your child braces? Here are five signs that you child would be recommended by orthodontists to get braces.
#1 – Overcrowded teeth
Having overcrowded teeth is an obvious sign that your child is in need of braces treatment. When their teeth are overcrowded, then there’s not enough space inside the mouth for your child’s teeth. The teeth may crowd or overlap one another, which can cause problems later on once their adult teeth start to grow because there isn’t enough room.
#2 – Misaligned jaw
Now when your child’s teeth are overcrowded, then their jaw may have a tendency to not align correctly. There are other factors that can cause a misaligned jaw, however, as your child grows, then their teeth won’t properly fit together. It’s important to resolve this issue immediately or before their jaw fully develops as this can take a longer time to correct.
#3 – Mouth breathing
Mouth breathing can be dangerous because of the way the jaw hangs which can become narrower over time. Young children who frequent this habit may end up continuing the habit for years.
A child can begin mouth breathing due to cases of sinus blockages, increased frequency of colds, and even breathing difficulties. As soon as the habit has been formed, then it can be hard to get rid of. If the mouth breathing habit persists then it can result in overcrowded teeth later on in life.
#4 – Underbite
When your child’s bottom teeth extend over their upper teeth at a certain degree, then they most likely have an underbite. This can cause damage to the front teeth, making them more prone to chipping and breakage.
#5 – Overbite
An overbite is the opposite of an underbite when your child’s upper set of teeth extends their bottom set of teeth. An overbite can cause breathing difficulties and your child can find it difficult to close their mouth fully.
The Best Child Orthodontics in Brooklyn, NY
At House of Orthodontia, we offer a plethora of orthodontic treatments, including lingual braces! We personalize each patient’s treatment plan to ensure the best possible results.
Aside from lingual braces, we also offer Invisalign (as well as Invisalign Teen Greenpoint NY/Invisalign Teen Manhattan), clear braces, and traditional braces. House of Orthodontia also caters to accelerated orthodontics in East Village NYC for patients who want to get their treatment done.
If you’re interested in getting lingual braces for your child in NYC or are looking for an orthodontist in Brooklyn, contact us today to schedule a consultation!
We’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you decide if your child is ready for orthodontic treatment.
