Do my children really need braces?
Your teenager might be at the age where his or her peers are having their teeth straightened, and it is something that you and your child may view with trepidation. We at Old Windsor Dental understand your concerns, for the parent, it is an expensive investment that might not seem all that necessary. Whilst not perfect, your child’s teeth appear straight enough to you. At the same time, your offspring might be reluctant at the idea because of how braces look and subsequently, how they might be judged when wearing them.
Straightening teeth is not just about having a beautiful smile
Orthodontic treatments do not only result in a physical transformation but also provide pivotal health benefits you should consider before you put off orthodontic devices for another few years.
While it is never too late for a person to fix a misalignment, the recommended age to do so is early adolescence while the teeth and jaw are still forming and can be moved into their correct position easily, which could mean a less complicated method and shorter duration of treatment.
Failure to do so could lead to teeth becoming more crooked and challenging to clean, or developing a protruding overbite that places undue pressure on the jaw.
What are the main reasons for considering an orthodontic device?
Misaligned teeth are grounds for getting braces in Windsor, but so is a malocclusion. In layman’s terms, malocclusion is a bite problem that occurs when the upper and lower jaw are different sizes. An overbite results when the size of the upper jaw supersedes the lower and an underbite manifests when the lower jaw is more prominent.
A severe malocclusion, if left untreated, could impact your child’s dental health because the teeth will not be able to function as they should, and so he or she might face difficulties when eating and talking.
Will the experience be traumatic for my child?
We can treat children from ten and upwards for their crooked teeth, but we understand that you might have concerns. Consult with our orthodontist to determine whether your child is ready for braces in Windsor or if they are not yet emotionally prepared and need more time. For example, you might have reservations about your child’s current lack of discipline when it comes to brushing and taking care of their teeth.
There are some misconceptions about braces in Windsor which are likely to heighten your fear and anxiety that are not entirely true. One of them concerns pain and discomfort. While your child might experience some sensitivity when they first get their braces fitted, this lasts a few days. Soothe the discomfort with a soft diet and mild child-friendly pain tablets. Mouth sores can also occur when metal rubs on the inside of the mouth, treat these with a numbing gel.
When should I book my child’s first appointment with the orthodontist?
There is not a set age or time, but your local dentist might advise or refer you to a specialist.
What will the orthodontist do?
On the first visit, our orthodontist will examine the teeth, mouth and jaw, and ask the child to bite their teeth together. We will ask whether the child has difficulty chewing and swallowing and if the jaw makes funny clicking noises to assess the extent of the problem.
X-rays are then taken to view the current position of the teeth and see whether the child is still developing permanent ones.
Straightening aids are a long-term investment that positively affect your offspring’s lifestyle. Create happier and healthier versions of your children under the healing hands of our orthodontist.
