Posted on November 1, 2022
Parents want their children to have confident, healthy smiles. Around 25% to 50% of children will need orthodontic care to correct and optimize their smiles. Many parents don’t realize the extent of orthodontic care that may be needed to make their child’s smile the best it can be. One of the most important things to do is to have your child’s teeth and smile evaluated by an orthodontist no later than the age of 7 to determine what, if any, type of orthodontic care will be necessary.
There are many types of orthodontic treatment that your child might need. The orthodontist will do an extensive on you and work with you to come up with a suitable plan. Here are some examples of orthodontic treatment options your child might need:
These orthodontic appliances help to correct the alignment of the jaw by correcting the muscles that control this area. These appliances are used when children have both baby and adult teeth.
Abnormal bone growth is a problem for some children. Interceptive treatment options help to correct this issue. These are usually removable appliances that can guide bone growth to produce the desired results.
Fixed appliances are also known as braces. These work slowly over time to create a strategic movement that corrects the alignment of the teeth. Braces aren’t removable. Instead, they are fixed and attached to the teeth by the orthodontist and are tightened/adjusted periodically to result in the desired treatment plan results.
Invisible aligners, like the popular brand Invisalign, are an alternative to braces for some children. These must be worn an average of 22 hours a day. The patient can remove them to eat and brush/floss, but should have them in their mouth for all other times of the day and while sleeping.
Orthodontic care only works if the patient is following the treatment instructions they’re given. This is especially important for devices that can be removed because they won’t be effective if they aren’t worn. Proper oral care is also crucial for people who have orthodontic appliances. This is especially true for braces that can’t be removed. Cleaning around them is very important so that the teeth don’t get worn down by bacteria.
It is recommended that parents ensure their children get the orthodontic care they need at an early age, as fixing a problem in its early stages can save a ton on the length of treatment time and costs in the long run. Working with a local reputable orthodontist to get an initial smile consultation scheduled is the first step! Be sure you ask questions during the exam so you can follow the directions to get the best results possible for your child. If your child is in need of a smile consult, give us a call at 704.892.3300 to get a FREE Smile Consult on the books with the LO Smile Squad today!