If your child has misalignments or crooked teeth, you may be wondering what the options are. A pediatric orthodontist can answer all your questions and recommend the right treatment plan. You may have a lot of questions before diving into orthodontic treatment, and there are certain ones that you should ask at the consultation.
A pediatric orthodontist has special training to work with children and ensure they get the most effective treatment. It is never too early to begin to research options when it comes to your child's teeth and smile.
Genetics is the biggest cause of misaligned and crooked teeth. However, other causes include:
One of the biggest benefits of fixing crooked teeth is to improve one's smile, which, in turn, increases confidence and self-esteem. However, there are other benefits besides aesthetic ones. Misaligned teeth are harder to brush and floss properly, which increases the chances of cavities and gum disease. Straight teeth are easier to clean, which often results in less decay.
If the teeth are crooked due to overcrowding, this can lead to numerous issues such as damaged teeth, bite issues, headaches, TMJ, and difficulties with wisdom teeth eruption. Crooked teeth can also result in chronic bad breath and overall health problems.
The most common treatment that a pediatric orthodontist recommends is traditional metal braces. These consist of a metal bracket that is attached to the front of the teeth. They are connected with metal wires that are tightened at regular intervals to slowly move the teeth into the desired position. Children can personalize them with colored bands for a fun look.
Another option is ceramic braces. These work similarly to the metal braces, but the brackets are made with clear ceramic, so they are less noticeable.
For some patients, lingual braces may be an option. These are metal braces that attach to the back of the teeth.
For minor misalignments, clear aligners may be the right choice. These are almost invisible, and they are removed for eating and brushing.
The age to start treatment varies on a number of factors. It is recommended that a child have a consultation with a pediatric orthodontist around the age of 6 or 7, which will give you a better idea of when you should consider treatment.
Treatment varies based on the severity of the misalignments, the type of orthodontic treatment, and each individual patient. The average completion time ranges from 12 to 36 months.
Fixing misalignments is advantageous in many ways. A pediatric orthodontist can recommend the right straightening option based on your child's dental problems, your child's age, and your budget.
If you think your child may need orthodontic treatment, our office can help. Schedule a consultation with the pediatric orthodontist today.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric orthodontist in San Antonio, TX.
We do not like to think that our children could have oral health issues early in life, but the need for pediatric orthodontics is more common than you may realize. This is because children are more prone to certain orthodontic issues. To make it easier to get your children the help they need from your…
Wondering whether wearing retainers is really necessary? Read on to learn more. You know braces and aligners can help you get those straight teeth you desire, but retainers are the next step. These little devices will keep your teeth aligned and your smile beautiful for years.Retainers are custom orthodontic devices that help keep the teeth…
Ceramic braces can be a great alternative to traditional metal brackets. Clear ceramic braces are a popular choice for adults and older teens who want something less obvious than traditional braces but who still want the benefits of a fixed system. Knowing the benefits of this bracket system will allow you to determine if it…
Are you considering your teeth straightening options? Read on to learn more. Imperfect teeth can lower self-esteem and prevent people from smiling naturally. With all the advances in orthodontics, there are more options for getting straighter, healthier teeth. Getting a teeth straightening procedure is well known for cosmetic reasons, but its health benefits are noteworthy…