
So, your child or children have reached that age where many of their peers have started to wear braces. You have also begun to ask yourself whether it is time for your offspring to start the process of straightening their teeth too. You might have your doubts because of the cost. At the same time, the phase of adolescence is challenging enough and takes an emotional toll on your children, without having to wear metal braces too.
That said, orthodontic devices do not just help to achieve beautiful smiles but assist in maintaining oral health. Crooked teeth means that there are more spaces for germs to hide and wreak harm on your teen’s teeth and gums. At the same time, an overcrowded mouth or a misaligned jaw could cause pain in the form of toothaches or tension headaches.
Keep your child’s dental health and hygiene up to par with braces in St John’s Wood.
What causes irregular teeth and other dental issues?
There are several reasons why your child’s teeth may need correcting, which include misaligned or overlapping teeth, a bad bite or malocclusion, which is what occurs when the upper and lower jaw do not correctly align.
These conditions might be the result of genetics passed down by parents or they develop out of bad habits, for example, thumb sucking.
Thankfully, all of these issues can be rectified using an orthodontic device, and because development is still occurring, the teeth and jaws of children are far more amenable to being moved than the teeth of adults.
Preparing your child for braces in St John’s Wood
Being told they need braces can be overwhelming news for an impressionable child, so it is wise to keep them in the loop about what they are about to endure.
During their first orthodontist visit, their mouths will be examined to determine what is wrong with their teeth precisely so that the appropriate course of action is taken. The examination also includes X-rays and dental impressions, which might seem somewhat invasive but is only administered in the best interests of your child.
Suitable braces in St John’s Wood for children
There are different types of braces best suited for developing teeth.
A regular metal brace is one of them and these are recommended for patients with more complicated dental issues that require prolonged and more intensive treatment.
That said, this method of straightening teeth has undergone many changes. The device is lighter on the teeth, has a sleeker design and is overall, more user-friendly. Teens can also choose brightly-coloured ligatures to make the device trendier.
You might find that your child is exceptionally self-conscious, and so conventional braces might garner unwanted attention. Instead, Invisalign Teen might be a better match for him or her. Invisalign comprises of multiple sets of transparent aligner trays that are invisible to the unknowing eye.
Invisalign Teen is a detachable device. Your teen can enjoy food without wearing the brace, which removes the risk of food getting stuck in braces. At the same time, complicated cleaning routines are not needed, which minimises risks to their oral health.
If needing braces upsets your children, help them to understand why straightening their teeth is important and give them a choice – there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ to braces.