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.

Latest Dental Braces for Children

Braces for kids is not just for crooked teeth. Braces for kids are also needed if the child has malocclusion or bad bite. Some kids will not have a problem wearing braces because they may find it cool to wear the colored bands that are sometimes attached to them. Some of the latest teeth braces kids are wearing today range from the traditional metal braces to the clear braces.

Dental Braces For Kids

The traditional metal braces are small brackets that are attached to the front of the teeth with a wire that is strung around them. With the metal braces, kids have the option of choosing different colored bands or colored brackets. The colored bands can be changed each time they visit the orthodontist. These metal braces are usually kept on for at least two years, in which once they are removed, a retainer may be used all day or just at night to help keep the teeth aligned.

Braces for Girls

Another option is the clear plastic braces. These are less noticeable for a child who may be insecure about having braces, but they can also be a little more uncomfortable due to they can cause more friction.

Damon Braces for Kids

The Damon braces are another popular choice in the latest in teeth braces for kids. The Damon braces are more comfortable than the traditional metal brackets and allow the teeth to move more freely with ease. They require fewer adjustments and do not require the elastic bands or ties. With the Damon braces, teeth are easier to clean as they do not have the bands or ties that can collect plaque and allows proper and easier dental hygiene while wearing them. The child’s orthodontist will determine which latest teeth braces are appropriate for them according to their age and the severity of their teeth. Most children are able to get braces once they reach the age 7 when their acquired their molars.