Braces for Kids

Leland Orthodontics Offers Braces for Kids 

Why Do Children Need Braces?

 

At Leland Orthodontics, Dr. Leland and his team at their Reno office have seen many cases & children need braces for a variety of reasons, including crooked, overlapping, or overcrowded teeth, or a "bad bite" (known as malocclusion). Malocclusion is also very common, it’s when there is a variance in the sizes of the top and bottom jaws. When the upper jaw is larger than the lower jaw, it is referred to as an overbite. When the lower jaw is larger, it is referred to as an underbite.

 

Many times, your kid's dentist will be the first to recognize problems during a routine visit and recommend that your child visit an orthodontist (a dentist who specializes in correcting jaw and/or teeth alignment issues). The orthodontist can decipher whether or not your child needs braces and which devices would be the best fit.

 

What Can You Expect at the First Orthodontist Visit?

 

The orthodontist will inspect your kid’s teeth, mouth, and jaw at the first visit. They might ask your kid to bite their teeth down and might also ask questions about whether your kid experiences any issues while chewing or swallowing. The orthodontist might also ask if your child has ever experienced clicking or popping of the jaw.

The orthodontist might conduct X-rays of the mouth and teeth to observe how the teeth are positioned and whether any permanent teeth still need to come in. They also might create a mold (or impression) of your kid's teeth by pressing a tray of a gooey substance into the top and bottom teeth. When the mold is removed and the material hardens, the result is a duplicate of your kid's teeth that will help the orthodontist decide on the optimal treatment method.

How Long Can I Expect My Child to Need to Wear Braces?

The amount of time kids need to wear braces is based on the issues the orthodontist is attempting to correct. The average time period a child wears braces is approximately two years. After removing braces, a kid may wear a specially molded retainer — a little, hard piece of plastic with metal wires or a fine piece of plastic shaped similar to a mouth guard. Retainers prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original places.

 

How can my child take care of their Braces?

 

Kids who wear braces need to work diligently to keep their teeth clean since it is easy for food to become stuck in wired braces. Brushing their teeth after each meal is vital, along with daily flossing (the orthodontist can give your child a special flosser to use in and around the metal braces). Routine dental cleanings and checkups to look for cavities are also very vital.

There are also certain foods your kid should avoid (such as popcorn, hard and sticky candy, and gum) because they can cause damage to your child’s braces. Sugary sodas and juices can also cause issues since  they can cause tooth decay. Children with retainers or clear plastic aligners should always take them out prior to meals.

 

At Leland Orthodontics, we ensure your child will have the best orthodontic treatment. Call today for a free consultation.