If you find out your child needs pediatric orthodontics to treat a problem with their mouth, you may have questions. We know that hearing your child needs specialized care can be scary, but we are here to help by answering some of the common questions parents have about orthodontic treatment for children.
Orthodontics can help people of all ages, depending on their teeth' shape and oral health. However, if you are trying to fix problems before they become serious, most dentists will recommend a first visit by the age of 7 to catch any potential problems and treat them before they can cause additional issues. Pediatric orthodontics is specially equipped to deal with the issues that children face. You will not have to worry about your child getting the care they need because every treatment is designed with a child in mind.
No, you can see a pediatric orthodontist if you suspect a problem with your child's teeth. In fact, being proactive about oral health is the best way to prevent problems before they get serious and require more advanced treatment. Children can suffer from a range of different problems, so vigilance is key to keeping them in good health. Taking them to the orthodontist early and often is the best way to prevent future health problems.
A pediatric orthodontist is responsible for the position and function of your child's teeth. This means if they develop issues with the position, spacing, or functionality of their teeth, your child needs to see an orthodontist. Crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, crossbites, overjets, and more are all handled by a pediatric orthodontist.
There is a whole range of problems that come with not getting these different issues treated. For example, a gap in the teeth can impact your child's ability to speak. They may develop a speech impediment or be unable to make certain sounds properly, which can be extremely detrimental to a developing child. Overbites, underbites, and crossbites can all cause excessive tooth decay, wear and tear, and eventually tooth loss if not corrected.
The most common pediatric orthodontics procedure is the installation of braces. Braces correct all sorts of spacing and alignment issues children's teeth can have. Several types of braces are available today, thanks to advancements in modern dentistry. This makes finding an option that works for your child much easier.
If your child has braces, it is more important than ever to ensure they keep up with their basic oral hygiene. Talk with the dentist about the proper way for them to brush and floss so that they can practice independently and get in the habit of navigating, brushing, and flossing while wearing their braces. If your child does not brush and floss well while wearing braces, they can develop cavities and infections that can ruin the work being done by the braces.
Once your child has finished wearing their braces, they will need to wear a retainer every day to keep the teeth in place. The retainer should be cared for just like the teeth; keep it clean and then dry it before placing it back in the mouth. Retainers can be taken out to eat or to brush and floss and should be kept in a safe case when not worn. If your child happens to lose their retainer, it is important to see your dentist and get a replacement right away because without it, the teeth can start to shift out of position, and this can undo the work of the braces.
If anything out of the ordinary happens while your child is wearing their braces or after, consult your dentist immediately to avoid a potential problem.
We all want our kids to have bright, healthy smiles, but we cannot predict everything that will happen when their teeth come in. The best we can do is get them the dental care they need to help fix any problems that pop up and teach them how to take care of their teeth, so they stay healthy for a long time. A pediatric orthodontist can help care for your child's teeth and treat most of the problems they will experience.
Request an appointment here: https://www.orthodonticprecision.com or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at (703) 391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontics for Children in Reston, VA.
If you and your child are interested in an alternative to braces for teens, consider Invisalign®. These clear aligners can be just as effective at straightening teeth as traditional braces but have certain qualities that make them more appealing to teenagers.It is usually preferable to begin teeth straightening treatment after all the permanent teeth have…
A significant advantage of Invisalign® is that it makes the treatment more discreet and less conspicuous than traditional braces. Nevertheless, you may be worried that the treatment will affect your child’s speech. While this is possible, it is usually temporary, and there are things teens with Invisalign can do to lessen the effects.The clear aligners…
Invisalign® for teens can offer adolescents a more comfortable and discreet option for straightening their teeth. For years, traditional metal braces were one of the only options for effectively treating a crooked smile. Even though Invisalign has provided an alternative for decades, some people may not be familiar with who it is for and how…
Getting braces is not something that most teens look forward to. Invisalign® Teen may be an alternative to braces for teens. Are you wondering if they may be an option for your teen? Read on to learn more details about this treatment and how it works. Invisalign designs and markets a different treatment option for…
If you and your child are interested in an alternative to braces for teens, consider Invisalign®. These clear aligners can be just as effective at straightening teeth as traditional braces but have certain qualities that make them more appealing to teenagers.It is usually preferable to begin teeth straightening treatment after all the permanent teeth have…
A significant advantage of Invisalign® is that it makes the treatment more discreet and less conspicuous than traditional braces. Nevertheless, you may be worried that the treatment will affect your child’s speech. While this is possible, it is usually temporary, and there are things teens with Invisalign can do to lessen the effects.The clear aligners…