Straight, healthy teeth are important for a kid’s overall health and well-being. As
your child grows up, their teeth need to shift and accommodate new teeth as they
come in. This can cause shifting or misalignments that can make it difficult for
your child to chew food properly or even speak clearly. Best Braces for Kids are one of the most
common ways that orthodontists correct these issues. Read more to learn about
types of braces for kids and how long they can wear them
Which Type of Braces Are Right for Your Child?
There are many different types of braces for kids, each with its own benefits and
drawbacks. The best type of braces will depend on your child’s age and needs. Here
are some of the most common types of braces for kids:
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces. They consist of
brackets bonded to teeth and connected by an archwire that applies pressure
over time to move the teeth into place. They come in bright colours or metallic silver
hues and can be fun for kids to personalize by changing the colour of their elastics.
Traditional metal braces are powerful at shifting teeth and they tend to work well
for more complicated situations, like closing gaps between teeth or correcting
misaligned bites.
Clear (Ceramic) Braces
Clear ceramic brackets were developed as an aesthetic alternative for adults who
didn’t want their smiles to be so harsh during treatment. While clear ceramic
brackets blend in better with tooth enamel, they are still visible up close, tend to
break easily when compared to metal ones, and take longer than traditional metal
or lingual braces. If you have a kid who engages in contact sports such as
basketball or soccer—or one who plays an instrument such as a trumpet—clear
ceramic brackets may not be right because they could chip or break easily if hit
with something hard or abrasive against them.
Lingual (Behind-the-Teeth) Braces
The lingual brace is another choice for children with crowded or crooked teeth.
The lingual braces are placed behind the teeth, rather than on the front. The wire
is hidden behind the teeth, making them barely visible to others around you.
The result is a less noticeable appearance that since they are closer to the tongue they are not very comfortable. As with all braces, there’s a chance of infection and irritation if the wires are
not kept clean.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a clear, removable aligner that can straighten teeth without the use of
metal brackets and wires. While Invisalign isn’t right for every child, it may be a
good option if your child is having difficulty with traditional Braces Before and After or wants to
keep their braces hidden from friends and family. Invisalign is more popular with adults.
How can I get my child to wear braces?
● Be honest with your child about their orthodontic treatment
● Be positive about the results
● Be supportive, and help them understand the importance of wearing braces
● Give your child a choice about the type of treatment and have a backup plan
● Keep it fun, make it positive, make it personal
How long do kids need to wear braces
On average, you can expect your child to wear braces for two years. The duration
will depend on the complexity of their case. Kids with moderate orthodontic issues
may be able to have their Braces removed sooner than two years, while those with
severe issues may need longer treatment times. You’ll be able to get a better idea
of how long your child needs to wear braces after their first appointment with the
orthodontist.
What’s the best age for braces or other orthodontic
treatments?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that parents schedule a
consultation with an orthodontist around the time their child’s permanent teeth
start coming in (usually between ages 6 and 7). If your child has a problem with his
or her bite or other oral health issues, it’s best to see an orthodontist sooner
rather than later.
Conclusion
It’s clear that there are many great options for braces for kids. From the low
profile, hard-to-see types to braces that can help straighten teeth without metal
or wires, there is something out there to satisfy every kid’s needs. In addition to
the braces themselves, consider the time spent using them as an opportunity to
teach your child about proper oral hygiene. Learning good habits now will lead to a
lifetime of dental health as they grow older!
At Grand Oaks Orthodontics, we ensure you get the type of retainers that best suit you!
Contact us and get your new retainers today!
