Some kids can not wait to get her braces, they see as a sign that youth and adults can not be far away. Others are a little worried about what they are like or how they will look.
How your child feels, you probably (not least of which have, how you're going to pay for it!) Some issues and concerns of their own. Here's the lowdown on children and suspenders.
Why Children Need Braces
Children can braces for any number of reasons, including crooked, overlapping or crowded teeth, or a "bad bite" (also known as an anomaly) need. Malocclusion is a discrepancy in the sizes of the upper and lower jaw. If the upper jaw is larger than the lower jaw, it is called an overbite. If the lower jaw is larger, it is called an underbite.
Sometimes tooth and jaw problems may be caused by tooth decay, losing baby teeth too soon, accidents, or habits like thumb sucking. But often they are inherited, so if you or someone in your family needed braces, it is likely that your children also.
Often your child will be the first dentist to notice problems during a regular visit and recommend that you an orthodontist (a dentist who specializes in the correction of jaw and / or teeth alignment problems) to be seen. The orthodontist can determine if your child really needs braces and what types of equipment would be best.
There is no set age for a child's first orthodontist visit - some kids go when they are 6, some kids go when they are 10, and some go while they are teenagers. Adults can also receive orthodontic treatment. Many orthodontists say children should see an orthodontist as soon as the final teeth start coming in around 7 years. At this age, problems such as uneven bite and overcrowding are clear.
Beginning the process early does not mean a child braces immediately. It just means the orthodontist to be able to determine what problems exist and judge the best time to begin treatment.
The first visit Orthodontist
During the first visit, the orthodontist will thoroughly examine your child's teeth, mouth and jaw. He or she may ask your child to bite the teeth together and ask questions if your child has problems with chewing or swallowing, or ever had clicking or popping of the jaw.
The orthodontist can see X-rays of the mouth and teeth as the teeth are positioned and whether any permanent teeth need to come in. He or she can also be a form (or impression) of your child's teeth by making a tray sticky material in the upper and lower teeth. If the mold is removed and hardens the material, the result is a replica of your child's teeth, which the orthodontist to decide which treatment options are best to be.
Type of Braces
Braces to correct alignment problems by steady pressure on the teeth that eventually she moves into an upright position.
Most kids need braces with wires and rubber bands. Help the wires to move the teeth and rubber bands (which come in fun colors) help to correct the alignment. Though metal braces are still used, as are clear or white ceramic braces that are much less noticeable. Some even go behind the teeth (lingual braces).
In the last ten years, as clear removable braces, teeth move with plastic aligner trays (instead of wires and rubber bands) have become available, but these are usually only for people with no bite problems.
Some children also need other devices, such as head protection (do not worry - this is usually worn only at night). Headgear uses a horseshoe-shaped wire attached to the back teeth and slid it back and more space for the teeth in the front of the mouth. The orthodontist may also recommend that your child has one or more teeth are removed to create more space in the mouth.
Once the braces on, your child will have to visit the orthodontist every few weeks for monitoring and adjustments.
How long your child will need to wear braces depends, try the problems the orthodontist to repair, but the average is about 2 years. Then your child could wear a specially designed holder, a small, hard piece of plastic with metal wires or a thin piece of plastic shaped like a mouth guard. Retainers hold the teeth move back to their original locations.
Care for braces
Because it is so easy for food in wired braces, children who need to get a work extra hard to get stuck wearing their teeth clean. Brush after meals is important as flossing daily is (the orthodontist can give your child a special flosser to use in and around parentheses). Regular dental cleanings and checkups to look for cavities are also a must.
Your child should avoid certain foods, such as popcorn, hard and sticky candy and chewing gum, because they can damage braces. Sugary sodas and juices can be a problem, too, because they can contribute to tooth decay. A child with clear plastic aligners should always remove when its time to eat.
Because suspenders pressure on the teeth, they may feel uncomfortable once in a while, especially after the orthodontist makes adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help if this happens.
See the orthodontist immediately if your child has a loose wire or bracket or a wire poking his mouth. If the orthodontist can not find a problem, could your child use some soft wax to hot spots on the brackets that are annoying or rubbing on the inside of the mouth or gums cover.
OFFER Braces
Braces and nice smiles, but that's not all they do. Good orthodontic care contributes significantly to oral health. Straight, aligned teeth can make it easier to chew food, and may even help prevent snoring.
But these benefits do not come cheap. Braces cost about $ 5,000 and even if your family has insurance, it may not be for much of the bill. Fortunately, there are ways to get braces at a reduced price:
Smiles Change Lives. This program serves children and adolescents aged 11-18 in all 50 states. If you apply and are accepted, your child will get braces for just $ 250 to $ 500th To be eligible, your family can not earn more than about $ 10,000 per person (so a family of four can not exceed $ 40,000). In addition to the income requirements, your child's teeth need to be moderately to strongly curved (but well maintained, thanks to plenty of brushing and flossing). For more information or to apply, visit the website Smiles Change Lives.
Dental schools. After dental school, dentists who want to specialize in orthodontics must continue their education in specialized programs. These dental schools children can often get braces at a reduced price. These schools are primarily interested in complicated cases. The Orthodontists-in-training will be supervised by experienced orthodontists during treatment. One thing to remember is that the treatment can take longer than it would in an established orthodontist office. Dates need to be scheduled during school hours. Search online to find a list of dental schools in your area.
Your dentist and societies. Some general dentists do brackets and may be willing to work with your family about the cost. Your dentist is also a great person on orthodontists in the area, you might be wondering accept lower payments. Again a good brusher and flosser your child is a better candidate. In addition to your dentist, you can also get information from your state dental society.
Their community. Ask around your community (your place of worship, local clubs, organizations and school) to see if there are any orthodontists also members or if anyone knows of a dentist who your child might take the case.
Insurance programs in your state. Public insurance programs such as Medicaid, may for braces, especially if the condition of your child's teeth with talking, eating or swallowing impaired. Not all states make this easy. There is a lot of paperwork required, and you might have trouble finding a dentist who works with the insurance program. But it's worth it. Some states have taken steps to making this process easier for children and parents.
If cost is an issue, it is worth the effort and patience it takes to find an orthodontist who treat your child. Straight teeth are more than just beautiful - it can help keep your child's mouth healthy for a lifetime.