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 Camas, WA.
Curious about orthodontic treatment? Read on to learn more. Straight teeth and properly aligned jaws make for a healthy and functional smile. Many people are lucky to have naturally straight teeth, but others require orthodontic intervention to correct overcrowding, gaps, or misalignment. In some cases, orthodontic therapy can extend far beyond repositioning the teeth in…
Looking for a braces specialist? Read on to learn more. You might be hesitant to see a braces specialist if you already see a general dentist regularly. In some cases, patients have an individual situation that requires consulting a specialist. Generally, these professionals have more experience in orthodontics and a consultation with them might make…
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…
Invisalign® is a modern teeth-straightening option that serves as an alternative to metal braces. Invisalign eliminates the need for brackets and wires; instead, it uses a series of clear plastic aligners to realign the teeth. Although lots of individuals are aware of the aesthetic advantages of Invisalign, like a straighter smile, there are also health…
Curious about orthodontic treatment? Read on to learn more. Straight teeth and properly aligned jaws make for a healthy and functional smile. Many people are lucky to have naturally straight teeth, but others require orthodontic intervention to correct overcrowding, gaps, or misalignment. In some cases, orthodontic therapy can extend far beyond repositioning the teeth in…
Looking for a braces specialist? Read on to learn more. You might be hesitant to see a braces specialist if you already see a general dentist regularly. In some cases, patients have an individual situation that requires consulting a specialist. Generally, these professionals have more experience in orthodontics and a consultation with them might make…