What Are the Pros and Cons of Pediatric Braces?
If you have a child or teen, you might be considering putting them into braces soon. Many people wonder what the right age is for putting a teen in braces since many dentists have differing opinions.
You will first need to schedule a free consultation with an orthodontist in Robbinsville, NJ. They will be able to tell you what your child needs so you can see what to expect as far as treatment and how long your child might need to have braces.
During the free consult, the doctor will also be able to tell you if your child needs other treatments besides pediatric braces, like an expander or another appliance to help with jaw alignment.
There are many advantages when it comes to pediatric braces as well as a few disadvantages. This guide will cover all the details you need to know.
What Are Pediatric Braces?
Pediatric braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that children and young teens receive. It can start as young as seven years old, or it can begin in the teenage years. The braces your child receives when they are a child can allow their adult teeth to grow better and not come in misaligned. It also guarantees that the teeth erupt in the right place rather than erupting too early and coming out at the same time as baby teeth.
- Here are some of the most common reasons why your child might need pediatric braces:
- Many primary teeth have been lost because of tooth decay, cavities, or other dental issues.
- Your child has speech problems or problems with chewing.
- The teeth are very misaligned and overcrowded.
- The front teeth are severely sticking out.
- There are issues with the jawbone, including an overbite, underbite, or crossbite.
- When the mouth is closed, there is no contact between the upper and lower teeth.
- The jaw is very narrow, which can cause more issues in the future.
Not every child will need pediatric braces. Sometimes your child can wait until their teenage years to get braces if their oral issues are minor and will not cause too many issues for them in the future.
Also, some children do better in braces than others. Not all children can tolerate braces as well, so you need to ensure that your child is physically and mentally ready for what it means to have braces.
The Pros of Pediatric Braces
When your child receives braces early in life, there are many advantages. One of the main things is that it protects the child from receiving permanent damage in the mouth from misaligned teeth.
Teeth that are damaged can also break easier and cause very serious issues that can be painful and costly to fix.
When your child has a beautiful smile that they are proud of, they can also experience increased self-esteem and confidence. When your child is confident during these important years, they will bring that confidence into their adult life, which means they will have more success and better relationships.
A confident smile also means they will smile more often because they feel proud of the way their mouth and teeth look.
Here are some of the other advantages that are important when it comes to pediatric braces:
- Permanent teeth will grow well and not be overcrowded.
- The jaw will develop better, and jaw issues like an underbite or overbite will be corrected early and cause fewer issues in the future.
- Front teeth can be fixed, so there is less of a chance of them becoming injured or injuring the mouth during events like sports accidents.
- The gums will be better prepared for the new adult teeth that are going to erupt so that the teeth are more likely to come in the right place.
- Ensures the child needs fewer tooth extraction procedures in the future.
- When a child receives pediatric braces, they usually do not need invasive procedures or treatments in the future. This can save your child from pain and can also save you money.
- Decreased chance of tooth erosion and gum diseases. This saves your child from extra trips to the dentist.
- When teeth are straight and evenly spaced, they are easier to floss and brush. This allows your child to have a good oral hygiene routine.
- Correct problems your child might have had in the past, such as a misaligned mouth from thumb-sucking.
- Correct simple bite problems so your child can chew and swallow more effectively.
The Cons of Pediatric Braces
While there are many advantages of pediatric braces, there are some cons to consider before putting braces on your kid.
One of the main issues is that wearing braces is definitely not enjoyable, and young children can feel frustrated and annoyed at having them in their mouths. They might also feel like they cannot enjoy their food as much, which could lead to disordered eating.
Make sure you always talk to the dentist and see if your child’s issues warrant pediatric braces or not.
You will also need to watch your child more closely if you decide to put them in braces early because they will need to be careful not to eat certain food. You might also need to help them brush and floss the first few times to ensure they are cleaning their mouth well.
Keep in mind that your child needs to feel ready for braces. Make sure they are included in the conversation with the dentist. You should also help them understand the purpose of the braces and ask them how they feel about wearing them.
Pediatric Braces at Bordentown Braces
Here at Bordentown, we specialize in pediatric braces. You can schedule a free consultation with us, where you will meet the orthodontist, and she can examine your child’s teeth to determine the best course of action.
Let us help you and your child with their pediatric braces journey by giving us a call at 609-291-8555.
Looking for braces or Invisalign? Looking for an board certified Orthodontist in Central NJ that treats kids, teens and adults? Bordentown Braces serves all surrounding areas of Bordentown, NJ including:
