As your kid grows up, it might be necessary to get him/her fitted with braces. This is a big decision for both of you.
Though the following downsides might deter you from getting braces,
- Braces are expensive
- They might make your child feel awkward
You should consider the benefits and stop at nothing to get them:
- Braces will give your child a better smile in later years
- Correct a life threatening dental problem
How to determine your child needs braces
Your child may be a suitable candidate for braces if he or she has the following.
- Twisted teeth, some teeth visibly overlapping or crowding others
- Misalignment of upper and lower jaws resulting in under bite or overbite
- Children who suck their thumbs tend to have protruding upper teeth
- Accidents and tooth decay
If your dentist refers you to an orthodontist, make the appointment as soon as possible. The orthodontist will take x-rays and perform a couple of other tests to decide on the best treatment procedure. See more about orthodontic procedures at http://ddsconnections.com/.
Braces to choose from
Braces bring teeth into proper alignment by applying pressure to the teeth over a couple of years.
- Metallic braces-They are very visible and have wires to move the teeth and colorful bands to align them.
- Porcelain brace-They are white in color and are not easy to notice.
- Lingual braces-They sit behind the teeth therefore they are not visible.
- Clear braces-They are invisible and are recommended if there is no bite problem. They are removable and instead of using wires and bands, they use aligners, which are made of plastic.
- Headgear-Which is only worn at night to pull back the hind teeth in order to create room for the front teeth.
- Dental retainer-This is used after the braces have been removed to prevent the dental problem from recurring.
Braces need to stay on for up to 2 years (could be more or less time as the orthodontist sees fit).
How to care for your child’s teeth after getting braces
It is harder to care for teeth with braces on. Make sure your child is observing the following:
- Makes regular visits to the orthodontist for routine checkup and alterations.
- Cleans teeth after every meal
- Flosses daily after every meal
- Visits the dentist for cleaning and to check for cavities
- Avoids hard foods and sticky foods that can destroy the braces
- Does not eat sugary foods and drinks as they will cause tooth decay
- Does not eat with aligners on
Cost of braces
Braces are quite costly. It helps to have insurance, but if you don’t have insurance, try the following:
- Find out if there is a program within your location that can assist to get braces at a reduced cost. For instance, smiles change lives is a good program supporting American low income families get dental treatment for children below 18.
- If your child has a life threatening dental condition, contact aid programs within your locality as they are usually better connected in the medical community.
- Opt for overseas treatment. Do your due diligence a bit more thoroughly.
The earlier you visit the dentist, the better chances you’ll have of reversing badly growing teeth.
About the Author
Daniel Kush is an accomplished medical professional with extensive experience in the field of dentistry. He has for the last 10 years contributed to shaping individuals’ lives by changing their smiles. When he is not busy at his practice, he writes about his experiences and useful dental tips.
