Improve Your Child’s Orthodontic Health with Custom Braces
Is your child in need of braces? At the Centre for Invisible Braces, Dr. Stephen Grussmark, a board-certified orthodontist with over 30 years of experience, offers top-notch orthodontic care for children.
We understand that a beautiful smile is essential for a child’s confidence and overall well-being. That’s why we provide various braces options to create a healthy and radiant smile for your child. Call (305) 441-1200 to learn more with one of the best orthodontists in Miami, FL.
What Are Children’s Braces?
Children’s braces are orthodontic appliances that can straighten teeth and correct misalignment issues in young patients. They typically consist of brackets bonded to the teeth, connected by wires that gently apply pressure to move teeth into their desired positions. Sometimes elastics or headgear for lower teeth may also be used as part of the treatment plan.
Types of Braces for Kids
There are several different types of children’s braces available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. These include:
- Traditional Metal Braces: The most common and durable option, effective for several orthodontic problems.
- Clear Braces: Less noticeable than metal braces, ceramic braces are a good choice for children concerned about aesthetics.
- Self-ligating Braces: These braces use a special mechanism to hold the archwire in place, reducing the need for adjustments and discomfort.
- Lingual Braces: Placed behind the teeth, lingual braces are virtually invisible from the front.
Benefits of Children’s Braces
Early orthodontic intervention with children’s braces can offer a variety of benefits, including:
- Improved Oral Health: Straighter teeth are easier to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
- Enhanced Appearance: Braces can create a more confident and attractive smile, which can boost a child’s self-esteem and social interactions.
- Corrected Bite Problems: Braces can address bite issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites, improving chewing function and preventing future problems.
- Guiding Jaw Growth: Orthodontic treatment in children can guide natural jaw growth, potentially preventing the need for extractions or jaw surgery later in life.
- Improved Speech: In some cases, braces can correct speech impediments caused by misaligned teeth.
What Can Children’s Braces Correct?
Children’s braces can effectively address a variety of common orthodontic issues, including:
- Crooked Teeth: This is the most common reason to get braces.
- Gaps Between Teeth: Braces can close unwanted spaces between teeth.
- Malocclusion: These bite problems can be corrected with braces, improving chewing function and jaw alignment.
- Teeth Crowding: Braces can create space for crowded teeth to achieve proper alignment.
- Protruding Teeth: Braces can gently push protruding teeth back into a more balanced position.
Assessment and Braces for Kids Orthodontic Treatment Plan
A comprehensive evaluation of your child’s teeth by the orthodontist, Dr. Grussmark, which includes X-rays, physical examinations, and a review of your child’s dental history, is vital to determine if they should wear braces or have tooth decay. Based on this assessment, the orthodontist provides insights into the specific dental issues and recommends a personalized treatment plan, potentially involving braces to address these concerns.
How Do Children’s Braces Work?
Children’s braces work by applying gentle, constant pressure to the upper and lower teeth, over time. This pressure gradually moves the teeth into their desired positions. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Brackets: Small brackets are bonded to the front surface of each tooth using a special dental adhesive.
- Archwire: A thin metal wire is threaded through the brackets and held in place with tiny elastic ties or clips.
- Adjustments: Our Miami orthodontist will periodically tighten the archwire to maintain pressure and guide the teeth in the desired direction.
- Additional Appliances: In some cases, elastics or headgear might be used alongside braces to target specific movements or achieve faster results.
The total treatment time with braces varies depending on the severity of the orthodontic issue and your child’s case. It typically ranges from 12 to 30 months.
Caring for Children’s Teeth with Braces
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment with braces. Food particles can easily get trapped around brackets and wires, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Here are some essential tips for caring for children’s teeth with braces:
- Brushing: Brushing at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is essential. Brush carefully around the brackets and wires to remove all food debris.
- Flossing: Flossing daily is equally important to clean between teeth and under the gumline. Special orthodontic floss threaders or interdental brushes can help navigate around braces.
- Dietary Considerations: Certain foods can damage braces or make cleaning more difficult. It’s best to avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods like candy, nuts, popcorn, and raw vegetables.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings with your child’s dentist throughout treatment to monitor oral health and ensure proper cleaning.
- Protecting Braces: If your child participates in sports, a mouthguard can help protect their braces from accidental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should kids get traditional braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. However, early intervention can be beneficial as early as age four or five to identify potential issues like crooked teeth.
Is there a difference between children’s and adult braces?
No, the braces themselves are typically the same for children and adults. They use the same metal brackets, wires, and other components. The main difference is the treatment plan, which may vary depending on whether the child’s jaw is still growing. Adults may also require additional procedures, such as tooth extractions, to make room for tooth movement. Both are generally covered by dental insurance as well.
Which braces are best for kids?
Left untreated, orthodontic problems can lead to a variety of issues, including:
- Difficulty chewing and speaking
- Increased risk of cavities and gum disease due to problems cleaning teeth
- Excessive wear and tear on teeth
- Pain in the jaw joint
- Speech problems
What if my child doesn’t receive orthodontic treatment?
There’s no single “best” type of braces for all kids, as the optimal choice depends on several factors. It’s important to consult an orthodontist to determine the best braces for your child’s needs.
Get Your Child’s Oral Health on Track With Early Orthodontic Treatment
When it comes to your child’s radiant, healthy smile, accessible and quality orthodontic treatment makes all the difference. At the Centre for Invisible Orthodontics, under the guidance of Dr. Stephen Grussmark, we’re dedicated to crafting confident smiles for children with braces for kids.
Call our Miami, FL, office today at (305) 441-1200 to schedule a consultation. We also welcome patients from Miami Beach, Brickell, and Key Biscayne.
