CHILDREN AND ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT-PART II

What’s The Right Age of Getting Braces?

Experts believe that there isn’t any particular age to need or get orthodontics. The orthodontic treatment actually depends on the needs of each child. For instances, children having cleft palates get orthodontic appliances before initial tooth eruption.

Some children may find the treatment beneficial if started at the age of 6 or 7, which is even before the loss of baby teeth. The main aim of early orthodontic treatment is prevention of further complications. It tends to develop a better atmosphere for the eruption and growth of permanent teeth. Most children who need early orthodontics require braces later for successfully completing the tooth as well as jaw alignment procedure.

Are Braces Painful?

No, braces aren’t painful. However, children may experience some level of discomfort when these dental appliances are put on for the first time or when they get initially adjusted. If there is mild pain or some discomfort after wearing braces, prescribed medications can be used to get relief. Moreover, irritation arising from the wire or brackets can be relieved by using special orthodontic wax that covers the sharp parts of the braces.

Are Some Children Allergic to Braces?

In very rare cases, patients show allergic reactions to stainless steel. However, if this is the case, other orthodontic appliances may be used. Some children may have allergies associated with the latex gloves used during the orthodontic treatment. Therefore, the dentist or orthodontist should be informed beforehand if a child has latex allergy so that non-latex gloves are used during the treatment.

Diet and Braces

It is important to understand that braces are quite delicate. If a certain portion of this dental appliance is broken, the teeth could be moved in the wrong direction, thereby increasing the duration of the treatment. Things that are chewy or hard should be eaten with care. This includes crunchy nuts, popcorn, sticky candy as well as chewy sweets.

The Length of Treatment

The time that a child may need to wear braces for is based on the specific dental problem, how well the teeth respond to the treatment as well as the child’s growth. In most cases, braces are worn for 1-3 years.