Having an attractive smile may mean getting crooked teeth straightened. Fortunately, orthodontists have several choices available for your child.
Braces
Braces are the oldest method available for aligning teeth. Traditional braces are applied by an orthodontist and are small brackets that are cemented to the teeth and connected by a wire. The wire is gradually tightened, and this applies pressure to slowly move the teeth into a better position. And you don’t have to worry about your child being called “metal mouth.” Modern braces can be tooth colored, or in some cases, even placed behind the teeth.
Retainers
These appliances are often associated with braces because they’re usually used to help keep teeth from shifting after the braces are removed. However, if your child only needs a minor adjustment (for example, closing a gap between teeth) wearing a retainer for a while may be all that’s needed. Retainers are generally made of metal and plastic, and would be custom fit to your child’s mouth.
Aligners
These “invisible braces” are a high tech method of tooth alignment, but all your child’s baby teeth must be gone and their second molars should becoming in. Aligners are made using a computer analysis of a 3D image of the teeth. Your child would be given a series of clear plastic aligners, each one to be worn for two weeks. Each successive aligner would gradually push the teeth further into their proper position, as determined by the computer analysis. Aligners can also be removed for brushing and flossing, but they’re more expensive than braces and mostly used only for mild to moderate problems.
Extraction
This may seem like a surprising way to straighten out teeth, but may work for children whose baby teeth are still in place. If the orthodontist thinks your child may develop alignment problems, she may consider pulling one or more baby teeth to make enough space for the new teeth to properly drop into place.
Headgear
When extra force is needed to move the teeth, your child’s orthodontist may recommend a night brace. This consists of a headpiece that is anchored to a brace that applies external pressure to the teeth. Headgear is usually worn about 12 hours per day.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Solving problems early will help ensure they have that great looking smile.
About this Article: This article has been provided by East Coast Orthodontics, an orthodontic practice that was established in Dublin, Ireland in 1997. They offer a range of various treatments including traditional braces and 6 month braces. For more information visit the website http://eastcoastorthodontics.ie/
