Straight Smiles for Kids: A Parent's Guide to Orthodontics For Kids

As a parent, you want the best for your child's health, including their smile. If you notice crooked teeth or other concerns, you might wonder about kids' orthodontics. Here's what you need to know.

Why Straight Teeth Matter More Than You Think

A healthy smile is not just about looking good, It’s also about your child’s health. Straight teeth are easier to clean and take better care of. They look better, too. When teeth are straight, there are fewer spaces in your mouth for plaque to get trapped in and cause problems. When kids feel good about their smiles, it boosts their confidence.

What is Kids Orthodontics?

The branch of dentistry that deals with abnormalities such as fixing malocclusions is called Kids Orthodontics. The term comes from a combination of the Greek word “orthos” and the Greek word “odons”. The first word means “well” and the second means “tooth”. Orthodontia, if applied correctly, will undo the damage caused by a bad bite. If your kids' orthodontist would like to use an orthodontic procedure to treat your misaligned teeth and jaws, he or she would use a variety of tools and appliances. 

When to Take Your Child to a Kids Orthodontist

As per the American Association of Orthodontists, the optimum time for a kid to have the first orthodontic visit is approximately 7 years. However, that does not mean kids with such a visit would wear their braces right immediately. It helps dentists promptly detect some incoming important problems and take relevant measures.

Signs That You Might Need Kids Orthodontics

• Crowded teeth: Teeth are too close together and don't have enough space.
• Gapped teeth: There are large spaces between teeth.
• Overbite: The upper front teeth are too far over the lower teeth.
• Underbite: The lower front teeth stick out farther than the upper teeth.
• Crossbite: The upper teeth don't fit properly with the lower teeth when the mouth is closed.

What to Expect at Your Kid's Orthodontic Visit

Your Kids orthodontist will look at your child’s teeth and jaw carefully. They might take X-rays and pictures. Then, they’ll explain to you what they see and answer all of your questions with you.

Types of Kids Orthodontics

• Braces: These are the most common treatment. Braces may be metal, clear, or even kept behind the teeth.
• Aligners: These are clear, removable trays that gradually adjust the position of teeth.
• Retainers: When braces or aligners are removed, your child may need to wear a retainer.

Is Early Treatment Right for Your Child?

The benefits of starting kids' orthodontic treatment early are as follows: 

• Easier to guide jaw growth: First, at a young age, the jaw is still growing, which allows for correcting certain problems. 
• Prevent future problems: Second, it is possible to prevent the development of big problems with the help of early treatment. 
• Shorter treatment time: Sometimes, early treatment can mean your child wears braces or aligners for a shorter period.
• Better results: Some orthodontic problems are easier to fix when kids are younger.

Going Through Kids Orthodontic Treatment

If your child needs braces or aligners, you can help them adjust by:

• Explaining what to expect: Talk to them about why they need treatment and what it will involve.
• Helping them take care of their braces or aligners: Teach them how to brush and floss properly.
• Encouraging them to eat healthy foods: Some foods can damage braces, so focus on soft, nutritious options.

Helping a child to get a healthy and beautiful smile is a truly invaluable contribution. You should make the necessary decision right now! Do you want your child to smile widely for many years to come, not afraid of yellow enamel or uneven teeth? Then hurry up to make an appointment with a good orthodontist. First of all, they will help you choose the right option and make sure that your child is not afraid of any complications or pain. It is not surprising, because even the most complex braces are installed in just a few hours, and the braces themselves are completely safe. Let your child have the best smile right away.

At SmileBreeze Dentistry, we know how critical it is for your child to have a healthy, confident smile. Our skilled orthodontists focus on early intervention and individualized treatment plans for kids. We provide a variety of options, from traditional braces to clear aligners, to make your child’s orthodontic experience convenient and beneficial.

Early orthodontic treatment at SmileBreeze can help address bite problems, influence jaw development, and make room for permanent teeth to grow properly. In the end, our goal is to provide your child with a stunning smile that will last a lifetime, allowing him or her to live life to the fullest.