7 Important Things to Know About Teeth Straightening For Kids

Teeth Straightening

If your child is dealing with crooked or poorly-aligned teeth, you are probably wondering what the best options are when it comes to teeth straightening for kids.

Having healthy-looking teeth is important since it is one of the first things people notice during interactions. Having an unsightly set of teeth can wreak havoc on someone's self-esteem and it is even worse for kids. Most adults can keep their negative opinions on the way others look to themselves, but children are not as good at keeping quiet.

Children with poorly-aligned teeth are often subjected to teasing and bullying because of their appearance. That can make what should be the fun years for a child, a nightmare. Fortunately, there are many options available when it comes to teeth straightening for kids. Here are a few things patients should know when considering this treatment for a child:

1. The earlier the better

Many dentists recommend taking your child to the orthodontist before he/she reaches the age of seven. The earlier one seeks treatment for an alignment issue, the easier it is to correct.

2. Traditional braces are still popular

Traditional metal braces are the most affordable way to straighten a child's teeth. These devices work by applying constant pressure to a person's teeth, gradually pushing them into the proper place over time. One downside about traditional braces is how visible these devices are.

3. There are discreet teeth straightening options

Clear braces like Invisalign® are becoming increasingly popular nowadays. These tools work in the same way traditional braces do by putting constant pressure on the teeth. The patient wears a series of alignment trays, similar to a mouth guard, for a period of around two weeks per tray. The main benefit of clear braces is the fact these devices are barely visible and can easily be removed for meals. That is a huge plus since traditional braces are notorious for being difficult to clean, especially after eating.

4. Retainers are often necessary

Orthodontic treatments do not stop just because the patient no longer has misaligned teeth. Retainers are often necessary for patients to wear after the treatment. Retainers ensure the person's teeth keep the new alignment.

5. Braces are not always necessary for teeth straightening for kids

Braces are not always the go-to treatment when it comes to straightening a person's smile. Sometimes, a simple extraction is enough to improve the alignment of a patient's teeth.

6. There is some pain associated with braces

Constantly having pressure applied to your teeth can lead to pain. Your dentist will advise you on the best way to help your child deal with the pain.

7. Metal braces are popular for a reason

While many children are not particularly excited about wearing bulky metal braces that can make them the butt of jokes in school, these traditional braces are the most effective way to straighten teeth. It is also the most affordable option.

Ready to straighten your child's teeth? Schedule a consultation with one of our orthodontists and explore your options. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Visalia Care Dental, request an appointment in our Visalia dental office here: https://www.dentistofvisalia.com. Or call us at (559) 975-1213.

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