Braces for Kids/Teens One of the most common dental treatments for adolescents is braces. Almost everyone knows someone who had braces as a kid because they are extremely effective. It is important to correct misaligned teeth at an early age because it is easier to realign them before they are fully developed. Leaving this issue untreated can lead to a variety of other dental health problems, so it is best to treat it as early as possible.Here at Dr. Jeffrey Kashner Orthodontics, our team of experienced orthodontists will work with you or your child to create a customized dental treatment plan that will leave your teeth healthy and beautiful. Every patient will get the care and attention they need to get a perfect smile. If you are considering purchasing braces for your child, continue reading to learn some more information so you can make an informed decision. How Do Braces Work?Braces work by attaching to the teeth and applying a small amount of pressure over time to move them into the desired positions. Small metal brackets are glued to the teeth and are then attached to the archwire, which is a metal wire that applies the necessary pressure to move the teeth. Patients may initially experience mild discomfort from the pressure after the braces are placed. Patients will also have to make occasional trips to the orthodontist to get the braces tightened at predetermined time intervals, which can sometimes, but not always, also cause mild discomfort. Once the teeth are in their desired positions, the braces will be removed. You will likely be required to wear a retainer for some time afterward to keep the teeth in position. Retainers are usually removable, which makes it easier to eat and clean your teeth. What Kind of Braces Are There?The braces described in the above section (with brackets and an archwire) are referred to as 'conventional braces.' These are the most common form of braces for children and teenagers and are usually one the least expensive options. Ceramic brackets can be used in place of metal ones to be less noticeable. A type of braces called 'lingual braces' can be used, which work the same way as conventional braces, but they attach to the back of the teeth instead of the front, making them virtually impossible to notice. These are often more expensive as they require more customization and careful placement. An alternate form of orthodontic treatment is aligners. Aligners are clear plastic trays that are molded to the shape of all the teeth on the top or bottom arches. The aligners fit snugly over the teeth and apply a small amount of pressure to move them into the desired position. Because aligners cannot be tightened in the same way conventional braces can, the patient will need to make occasional trips to our office to get new pairs of aligners that fit the shape of the teeth as they shift position. Aligners are also removable so you can take them out to eat or clean your teeth. A habit appliance is a metallic medical device that is placed behind the front teeth on the upper gums and is held in place by two braces placed on the upper molars. By discouraging certain harmful habits, they defend against the lower and upper teeth being pushed into undesired positions through repetitive actions. So their purpose is twofold: they work to prevent unfavorable positioning of the teeth, while also helping to break the habit that causes it in the first place. ConclusionBraces are the best option for children and teenagers who have misaligned teeth. If your child might need braces, call Dr. Jeffrey Kashner Orthodontics at 253-630-3331 to set up an appointment today. Our team will work with your child to create the best orthodontic treatment plan for them and make their smile healthy and beautiful. |
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