Braces are a dental device that is used to correct teeth alignment issues like crooked, crowded, and misaligned teeth. They work by constantly pushing on the wearer's teeth, slowly moving them to the proper alignment. Braces consist of two main parts: Brackets that are placed on each tooth and wires that connect the brackets in a row. Tightening the wire increases the force on the wearer's teeth.
When it comes to orthodontic issues, it is best to address them when the patient is young. A child’s jawbone is still developing at this time. Ideally, parents should take their children to the orthodontist for their first checkup before they reach the age of seven.
Many common orthodontic issues like protruding teeth or gaps between teeth are genetic. Others are caused by conditions like breathing with the mouth, poor oral hygiene, thumb-sucking, or poor nutrition. Here are some indicators that a child might need braces:
Parents who notice any of these issues should take the child to an orthodontist as soon as possible for a proper evaluation.
If your child has dental issues, such as tooth decay or missing teeth, then see your dentist before beginning braces. It becomes much harder to address these concerns after braces have been installed, and braces can even make some of them worse. This is due to the fact braces make it harder to reach each tooth to clean it or work on it. Braces also make the wearer more susceptible to tooth decay since food can get stuck in the braces. Patients who deal with existing issues before proceeding with orthodontic treatments are more likely to get great results.
Once your child starts wearing braces, it might take some time to get used to speaking, eating, and talking. Once the adjustment period is over, the child will barely notice the device most of the time. Traditional braces were quite bulky, but the modern ones have slick designs that make them harder to spot. Modern braces also look stylish since they can be customized to suit the child's taste.
Think your child needs braces? Here are the answers to some of the questions you might have:
This is a common question that kids have about braces. The answer is that while your child may feel some discomfort when their braces are first put on, this usually goes away quickly as their mouth adjusts to the new hardware. Once the child gets used to wearing braces, they should not cause any pain.
How long your child will need to wear braces depends on the severity of their dental problems and how well they take care of their teeth while wearing braces. Most people need to wear braces for one to two years before their teeth are fully aligned.
Your child can still eat all their favorite foods with braces. However, they will want to avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the braces. Cutting up tough meats and chewing slowly can help avoid damaging braces.
Your child will need to see the orthodontist every few weeks so they can check on the progress of the treatment. They may adjust the braces at each appointment to ensure they are working correctly.
Most people will need to wear a retainer for some time after their braces are removed. This helps ensure that the teeth stay in their new, corrected position. Wearing a retainer as directed by an orthodontist will give your child the best chance of having straight, healthy teeth for life.
The sooner we stop teeth from shifting, the quicker we can get your child an amazing smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your child.
Request an appointment here: https://www.novelsmiles.com or call Novel Smiles at (703) 942-8882 for an appointment in our McLean office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Braces in McLean, VA.
Dental crowns are among the most highly versatile restorations, serving both restorative and cosmetic purposes. They can both save teeth as well as help dentists replace missing ones. These restorations have been one of the most popular and effective dental restorations for decades. Here are some common ways dentists use dental crowns to restore and…
Dental crowns are one of the most popular and effective restorations dentists use to restore and protect damaged teeth. They are tooth-shaped caps that cover your natural, damaged tooth. While the procedure is performed in two appointments, it is relatively straightforward and involves little to no discomfort.Several types of dental crowns are available, each with…
Your general dentist can recommend Invisalign® aligners for mild to moderate dental issues. Studies show that many patients prefer this dental straightening system to traditional braces. Understanding how this system works can help prepare you and your child for the treatment. Here are the details you must consider about Invisalign.The patient must first consult with…
Dental crowns are one of the most well-known dental restorations. Most people have some idea of what dental crowns are. However, if you have never had one and this is your first time getting one, you may have many questions about what to expect. Here are some frequently asked questions about dental crowns that will…