Visit a Kids Orthodontist to Discuss Teeth Straightening Options

A kids' orthodontist has more training when it comes to dealing with a child’s dental misalignment. Visiting this type of dentist can result in a more targeted treatment. Knowing the options available for straightening their teeth can prepare a young patient better. Here are the different teeth straightening options that a child can get from a kids' orthodontist.

Headgears

Decades ago, wearing a headgear was not nice to look at. Technological advances have transformed the traditional dental appliance into a less awkward one. A child can now wear a mouth attachment and a head cap. This headgear applies more pressure on the teeth than traditional metal braces. A kids' orthodontist can recommend wearing a headgear if the patient has severe overcrowding or overbite.

Clear aligners

This dental straightening option can straighten teeth with aesthetics and comfort. The trays are not very noticeable. That is why these aligners are almost invisible. The orthodontist will not use brackets and wires for this treatment. The child must have mild to moderate dental alignment issues to qualify for clear aligners.

Traditional braces

Wearing metal braces is the most common dental straightening option that a child can get from an orthodontist. The elastics tighten the archwire around the metal brackets. These braces are the most inexpensive and effective treatment for severe dental misalignment. Ceramic braces are much like metal braces. But the system has tooth-colored or clear brackets and wires.

When the kids’ orthodontist replaces the elastics, the brackets tighten. The pressure from the elastics and archwire pushes the teeth in place. This resolves the crookedness. It can even correct significant bite problems. The movement of the teeth into position tends to improve the jawbone’s shape as well.

Retainers

A child will often need retainers from an orthodontist after wearing braces. These dental straighteners will keep the teeth in position. The jawbone can then heal and stabilize. These straighteners can also push some teeth back. In some cases, a kids’ orthodontist may recommend retainers before getting braces.

Dental extraction

Removing some teeth may be necessary to straighten a child’s teeth. A kids’ orthodontist can assess the child’s teeth early. This could lead to the removal of some teeth. Leaving specific dental spaces can provide enough space for permanent teeth to grow.

Things to remember before teeth straightening

Healthy-looking mouth means straight, clean, and decay-free teeth. A kids’ orthodontist can help parents provide a healthy life to their kid by straightening the child’s teeth at an early age. Assessing the child’s teeth at a young age is important. But before dental straightening treatments begin, here are some points to remember:

• Traditional braces are still popular, even if the treatment can cause some pain and discomfort. The system applies more pressure to the teeth. Regular adjustments can force the teeth into place.
• Orthodontic treatment early in life can result in a shorter treatment time and a smoother experience for the young patient.
• Retainers provide necessary support after a treatment period with braces. Wearing these dental appliances can help maintain the correct position of the child’s teeth. The retainers do so while the jawbone heals.
• Clear aligners or braces are much like wearing a mouthguard. But the trays provide different levels of tightness that push the teeth into position. The orthodontist will check the effectiveness of the aligners. The adjustments depend on the timely changing of the clear aligners. Clear aligners or braces also provide discreetness in the child’s dental alignment. This makes the treatment almost unseen by other people. The child can have straighter teeth without embarrassment. Making more friends and smiling for photos will not be a problem with clear braces or aligners.
• A better dental care routine is necessary. The kids’ orthodontist will teach the child how to brush using different cleaning tools. The child must clean the teeth well before putting the aligners back on.
• There will be pain with traditional braces. The pressure from the braces will cause discomfort. Scratches or blisters on the soft tissues of the mouth often occur. They result from their constant rubbing of brackets and wires.

Discussing teeth straightening with a kids’ orthodontist can provide more insight

Dental misalignment in kids comes in different degrees. The dentist will assess the child’s teeth, gums, and jawbone first. After a thorough dental exam, the kids’ orthodontist will determine the right teeth straightening method for the child. Doing so can provide a more targeted treatment to the child.

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.

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