Braces are used to straighten teeth and correct any dental or jaw alignment issues. A lot of people will have braces at some point in their life but how do you know if your child needs them or will need them in the future? In this post, we’ll shed some light on the topic.
Why would a child need braces?
If your child has crooked teeth, teeth that overlap one another, gaps between the teeth or crowded teeth, they may benefit from having braces. Another reason that braces may be worth considering is if your child has a misaligned bite. This could be a crossbite, an underbite or an overbite. Misaligned teeth can cause a variety of issues such as:
- Decay from not being able to reach crooked teeth
- Wearing of the teeth from a misaligned bite
- Food getting stuck between gaps of teeth
- Difficulties chewing and biting foods
If you are taking your child to the dentist regularly, they will be able to tell you whether they think braces will be beneficial to your child or not. They will be able to monitor the teeth and jaw and will suggest seeing an orthodontist if they believe braces will be beneficial to your child. An orthodontist will typically confirm the need for braces and discuss the options available to your child. Some dentists will provide orthodontic treatments, others don’t.
What is the best age for kids to get braces?
There tends to be some confusion when it comes to the right time for someone to get braces. If a dentist Varsity Lakes determines that a child would benefit from having braces, they will likely suggest treatment or refer them to an orthodontist when they are between the ages of 8 to 10. Early intervention is key to managing the way the teeth grow. When a child is younger, their teeth are easier to align as the tissue is softer.
That’s not to say that people of other ages cannot benefit from having braces, it’s just seeing someone early allows the orthodontist to address any breathing issues or impacting teeth if any.
Girls can start braces treatment from as early as 10 to 13 whereas boys can start at around 12 to 14.
Different types of braces
When it comes to braces, there are four main types, and they are:
Traditional metal braces
Traditional braces are metal brackets that are adhered to the teeth and connected by wire. These are placed on the fronts of the teeth.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are the same as metal braces but instead of a metal bracket, they are ceramic. These brackets are either tooth-coloured or clear, making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces are metal braces but instead of them being placed on the front of the teeth, they are behind them making them a virtually invisible option.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners are removable plastic mouthguards that are lightweight and clear. They are a great alternative to traditional braces as they are less invasive and less noticeable. The aligners are changed during treatment as the teeth move.
Sometimes, your child may require traditional braces to achieve the most desirable outcome however, your orthodontist will discuss which type is best suited to your child.
How long do braces have to be on for?
No two children have the same jaws, alignment or teeth so the treatment plan can differ from child to child. The time frame can vary from 6 months right up to 2 years. When in the consultation phase with your child’s orthodontist, they’ll be able to tell you how long they think your child will need to wear braces for.
How much do braces cost?
The price of braces can vary depending on several factors, such as the orthodontist you see, the type of braces you choose and the treatment required. Metal braces are the cheapest option and they typically start at around $4,500 and go up from there. Clear aligners and lingual braces are the most expensive.
Do braces hurt?
When they are first fitted, they may feel strange and slightly sore. This is normal and can usually be treated with some over-the-counter pain relief. When the braces are readjusted, some slight discomfort may be felt. Overall the pain is quite manageable for most children.
Can my child still eat everything with braces?
In general, your child can maintain a normal diet with a few exceptions. Some hard foods such as apples or sticky lollies can damage the braces so extra precautions should be taken when consuming these foods. Your child’s dentist or orthodontist will give you a complete rundown of what foods they should eat carefully during your consultation.
Can a dentist fit my child’s braces?
It will depend on the dentist. Some will only provide basic orthodontic services as it is not their speciality. Orthodontists undergo extensive training on braces and are masterfully skilled to treat all kinds of teeth using this method. If your dentist doesn’t offer orthodontic services, they will have a trusted orthodontist who they can refer your child to. They can work collaboratively together to come up with a suitable treatment plan for your child. Sometimes it’s easier to find a dentist that does orthodontic treatments as well as it saves going between two specialists.
Have a chat with your child’s dentist
The first step in the braces process usually starts with the dentist. If you are unsure if your child needs braces, or you’d like them to have them, have a chat with your child’s dentist about it. They will be able to give a complete rundown on the options and whether your child will be a suitable candidate or not. If they are, they’ll recommend seeing an orthodontist for a consultation if they don’t do this themselves.
If you’re looking for a trusted dentist on the Gold Coast that takes a holistic and caring approach to dental care, reach out to the friendly team at Soul Dental. We offer clear orthodontics which enable your child to straighten their teeth invisibly and quickly. Our team are highly skilled and experienced in invisible orthodontic treatments and we can discuss your options with you during an initial consultation. Contact us today to learn more.
