Millions of children wear braces in the U.S., and many more children will likely need them at some point. There are a number of reasons why children wear braces, which are available in several options, including traditional braces and newer types of braces.
There are many benefits related to dental braces for kids, including three benefits that parents should consider when choosing to get braces for kids in the Houston, Texas area.
Reasons that Kids Need Braces
Kids may need braces for a variety of reasons. Some people likely think that the only reason that kids need braces is to straighten their teeth. There are other reasons that kids may need braces, including:
- To correct an overbite
- To correct an underbite
- To correct crowding of the teeth
- Losing baby teeth too soon
Some children may need braces for reasons related to their individual oral health needs.
Three Benefits of Braces for Kids
There are many benefits of braces for children. Several sources have even started recommending that children may be able to start wearing braces at younger ages, compared to past beliefs.
One important benefit of wearing braces is the fact that braces correct crooked teeth. Children with crooked teeth may have chewing difficulties. They may experience chipped or broken teeth or experience a greater risk of developing cavities or gum disease.
The second benefit of braces is that they help to correct bite issues, such as an overbite, an underbite, or an open bite. The upper teeth come too far down over the lower teeth when children have an overbite. The bottom teeth in the lower jaw sit in front of the upper jaw in the case of an underbite. Kids that have an open bite experience the back teeth being together, but the front teeth do not meet or overlap.
A third benefit of wearing pediatric braces is that they improve the aesthetics or smile of children with issues that require braces. Children may become the brunt of ridicule from other children when they have crooked or crowded teeth or when they have bite issues. Children may experience self-esteem issues because of the appearance of their teeth. Braces help to correct the issue and often result in an improved appearance and smile.
Available Options if Your Child Needs Braces
Many parents likely grew up with the stigma that was associated with wearing braces. The noticeable metal that may have caused pain may have also led to trying not to smile until the braces were removed by the orthodontist. There are several options available for today’s kids, including:
- Traditional braces
- Lingual braces
- Ceramic braces
- Invisible braces
Traditional braces are not the painful appliance of past generations. Children may have some initial discomfort. The brackets used today are smaller than older styles of traditional braces. The modern wires help to move the teeth more quickly, which may mean that some children will wear braces for less time than their parents had to wear their braces.
Lingual braces have brackets and wires on the inside rather than the outside of the teeth. This makes them less noticeable compared to traditional braces.
Ceramic braces have natural tooth-colored or clear brackets. They blend into the natural color of the teeth.
Invisible braces include a number of clear, plastic aligners that are removable and custom-made for each child. They are frequently replaced until there is no longer a need for braces.
Contact Splendid Dental Woodlands to Learn More
Splendid Dental Woodlands welcomes your calls to learn more about the benefits of braces. Contact us today at 713-587-9996 to make an appointment to improve your child’s dental health and smile and to learn about dental care for all family members.