Kids & teen braces

 

The earlier the intervention, the easier it will be to correct your child’s teeth. Starting early also provides more options for determining what types of braces and how long your child will undergo treatment.

 

At what age do kids get braces?

PRE-TEENS TO EARLY TEENS

If you have concerns over your child’s smile, snoring, slow tooth loss or lack of appearance of adult teeth it's a good idea to get a kid’s consultation by the time a child is 8 years old.

While orthodontic treatment can improve problems, no matter what age your child is, there is an optimal window in which an orthodontist can make maximal improvements, and that’s while bones are still growing and teeth are still emerging.

There are many dental and orthodontic ‘pre-appliances’ available to correct oral problems like impacted (trapped) teeth, small jaw or narrow (deep) palate. Some patients find that this increased growth allows their teeth to grow into an improved position reducing the need for a complex stage of teenage braces. Another popular side effect is an increase in upper airway volume leading to reduced snoring both now and as an adult.

A pre-appliance moves the jaw and guides bone growth before braces. It encourages correct jaw alignment before aligning the teeth and can reduce the need for more complex treatment later.

TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS

We usually apply braces for teenagers between the ages of 12 and 20. This is usually the age range where the adult teeth have fully emerged into the jaw, and tissues and bones are still maturing, making it easier to move the teeth into position in a reasonably efficient time frame.

Which is the best type of braces for children?

 

The type of braces you choose for your child will depend on the severity of their individual case and your level of comfort with the different options. At South Beach Clinic we will help you to find the most effective treatment for your child, taking into account durability, ease of care, and how your child will look during the treatment.

The most common options when it comes to orthodontic care:

Metal Braces
Self-ligating braces
Ceramic Braces
Invisalign

For most children, traditional or self-ligating braces are the best choice for treatment and come in a variety of styles, materials, and colours. These systems are fast, advanced, cost-effective, and durable.

Depending on the maturity level of your teen, Invisalign can be an option if your child is older and willing to wear the aligners regularly. However, for younger children and those who need a high level of care, traditional braces are probably a better solution.

Signs your child may need braces

 

1. OVERBITE

A slight overbite is normal, where the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth. However, If when your child bites down, you can’t see much of their lower teeth, this could mean they have an extensive overbite. This condition can cause their teeth to wear down more quickly.

2. UNDERBITE

An underbite is when you close your mouth and your lower front teeth are in front of your upper teeth. In less severe cases of underbite, an orthodontist may use braces or other dental appliances to move the teeth into their correct place. It can be of benefit to identify and treat this early.

3. PROTRUDING TEETH

Where your child’s upper teeth protrude significantly over their bottom teeth. We can correct this condition with braces. We may recommend extractions, a temporary anchorage device, or surgery to align your child’s bite and jaws for more serious cases.

4. OPENBITE

Where the upper and lower teeth do not make contact in the front or back of the mouth. Open bites could make it hard to chew or bite foods and could affect your child’s speech and put them at risk for Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).

5. CROSSBITE

If your child’s bottom and top teeth on the sides of their mouth don’t line up when they close their mouth they could have a crossbite. This can make the lower jaw grow to one side and they then put them at risk of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).

6. CROOKED TEETH OR OVERCROWDED TEETH

Crowded or crooked teeth can prevent children from cleaning their teeth properly and could make them self-conscious. Kid’s braces or teen’s braces can easily move crooked teeth back into place.

7. SPACING OR GAPS IN TEETH

This is the opposite issue of overcrowded teeth but can cause problems later on and is extremely treatable with braces.

8. JAW SHAPE

If your child’s jaw or palate appears slightly dis-proportioned, it may mean problems with their bite later in life. Braces can prevent crossbite, overbites or underbites from developing. Early correction of the top jaw influences development of the lower jaw.

9. PROBLEMS CHEWING

Bad chewing could mean your child’s teeth and jaw are not functioning the way they should. This could be because of a variety of reasons, including a problem with their bite.

10. SPEECH PROBLEMS

Many things can cause speech problems, but sometimes it’s just a matter of misaligned teeth. If your child is having difficulty saying certain words or otherwise struggling with speech, it could be time to see an orthodontist.

11. SLEEP APNEA

If your child is snoring, has trouble breathing (mouth breathers), suffers from teeth grinding, or has restless nights they could have sleep apnea. There are a variety of effective treatment options available for this condition in children and teenagers, which includes orthodontic treatment.

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Treatment benefits

While the emotional side of an unattractive smile can affect children in the formative years, the benefits of orthodontic treatment and braces for kids go far beyond simply looking good. Besides boosting your child’s self-confidence with a smile that looks better, having properly aligned teeth can improve speech, chewing, breathing, sleeping, and overall health.

Straighter teeth can also be less prone to tooth decay, gum disease, and injuries which can add up to considerable savings on dental costs later. Orthodontics can increase jaw function and can spare your child a lifetime of pain and headaches that can come from a misaligned or bad bite and can reduce snoring now and as an adult.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I highly recommend South Beach Clinic, friendly, professional and their results are outstanding. Both my kids got braces with Paul and in particular, one child was quite a difficult case. The results are perfect. I would happily recommend Paul and his team. First class service.”

— JANE B.

Kids Consultation

If you have concerns that your child shows signs of needing orthodontic care, please contact us to schedule an appointment. Our team will carry out a simple evaluation and discuss the best steps to take toward caring for your child’s smile.