Dental Braces For Children
Dental braces are appliances that correct teeth and jaw alignment problems. They’re often used to treat incorrect bites, crooked teeth and gaps between teeth.
Children’s teeth grow quickly, so it’s very important to get them checked regularly as they may need treatment. In fact, a child may need dental braces as young as six years old.
How Do Braces Help Kids’ Teeth?
Braces apply pressure to the teeth over time and gradually move them into a better position. They may be used to:
- Straighten crooked or crowded teeth
- Correct an overbite or an underbite (where the upper or lower jaw is too far forward)
- Close gaps between teeth
- Correct a crossbite (where the top and bottom jaws don’t meet properly)
- Adjust the position of one or both jaws, if they’re out of line with each other
There are two types of braces – metal braces and ceramic (clear) braces. Your child’s dentist will advise you about which type is most suitable for your child.
Traditional metal braces. These are the most common type of child’s brace and the most visible. They’re made of stainless steel and attached to the front of each tooth using tiny brackets. A metal wire runs through these brackets and is tightened at regular intervals in order to move the teeth into the right place.
Coloured elastic bands (ligatures) are used to hold the wire in place on each bracket. The metal wire can be tightened every four to six weeks to gradually move the teeth into their final position.
Ceramic braces. These work in exactly the same way as traditional metal braces, with brackets made from a transparent ceramic material that blends in with your natural tooth colour and wires that are slightly less noticeable than metal ones.
In most cases, braces are needed when the permanent teeth have grown in — usually around the ages of 8 to 14. Braces can be used at any age, though, if there’s a need for them.
While some children may need just braces with wires to move their teeth into the right position, other children may also need headgear or expanders to help make more room in their mouths. The sooner you get your child fitted for braces after a problem is detected, the easier it will be to manage because the jaw is still growing.
Some patients prefer ceramic braces because they’re less visible than traditional metal ones, although they do tend to be more expensive. The dentist might also suggest that your child see an orthodontist for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists are dentists who specialise in treating people with crooked, crowded or incorrectly positioned teeth.
When Should Kids Get Braces?
In most cases, braces are needed when the permanent teeth have grown in — usually around the ages of 8 to 14. Braces can be used at any age, though, if there’s a need for them.
While some children may need just braces with wires to move their teeth into the right position, other children may also need headgear or expanders to help make more room in their mouths. The sooner you get your child fitted for braces after a problem is detected, the easier it will be to manage because the jaw is still growing.
Do Children Need to Wear a Retainer As Well as Braces?
Most children need to wear braces for approximately two years, although the amount of time will depend on the individual child. After the braces have been removed, your child will most likely need to wear a retainer.
Do Dental Braces Hurt?
Although dental braces don’t hurt, they may cause some discomfort when they are first put on or adjusted throughout the treatment period. Your dentist can prescribe pain medication if necessary.