Dental Braces for Kids

When a child has some orthodontic defect such as crooked teeth, malocclusion also known as under bite or an overbite, there is a need for the child to get braces. In the past, the only available braces for kids are metal braces, earning them the teasing from friends and classmates and being called “metal mouth”. Thanks to modern science, there are now less obvious and even attractive dental braces for kids. Here are the choices of dental braces for kids:

Metal Braces for Kids
Metal braces are still alternative dental braces for kids because of its durability and effectivity and because it usually cost less than other dental braces options. But the metal braces of today are a far cry from the traditional metal braces of the past. Brackets for modern metal braces are much smaller than before and they now come in precious metals such as gold, not only in the traditional silver. Wires of the new metal braces for kids are also thinner but stronger. A new innovation to the traditional metal braces is “speed braces,” braces that hasten the orthodontic treatment giving faster result than the conventional braces. It is a new technology that uses individual self-litigating brackets without the need of an extra wire or rubber bands to hold the brackets together.

Lingual Braces for Kids

Lingual braces are braces placed at the back of the teeth not at the front. Lingual braces are not visible to other people. Lingual braces are more expensive than and not as available as traditional braces and should only be applied by orthodontist specially trained to do it. Lingual braces are also known to hurt the tongue in the early days after it is applied and sometimes can cause a lisp until such time when the child become used to the device.

Ceramic Braces for Kids
Ceramic braces are braces with almost the same color as the teeth and are therefore less obvious than metal braces. The brackets are made of porcelain or ceramic but the brackets are still connected by wires or metal. Some disadvantages of ceramic braces is that it is more expensive
And at times require a longer treatment than metal braces. Self-litigating ceramic braces are also available but usually come with clear or white elastics to make it less obvious. These elastics are prone to easy staining.

Clear Braces for Kids
Clear braces are also dental braces available for kids, these are braces made out of monocrystalline sapphire that look almost invisible. They are very strong and don’t stain but are also very expensive.