Some children are excited to have their braces at an early age because they want to have their teeth fixed before they reach their teenage years. Others are quite uncomfortable wearing braces because they worry about being teased or bullied by their peers. It is usual for kids to have some apprehension and questions about these procedures. Here is some useful information that every parent should know before taking their kids to an orthodontist Ashburn VA offers for assessment.
Do kids need braces?
Not all kids are recommended to wear braces. Some of them are blessed with having good teeth that no longer need any correction from the dentist. Some of the most common issues that kids have with their teeth are malocclusion, otherwise known as a bad bite, which needs to be corrected because it can lead to more severe teeth problems in the future.
Many factors cause jaw problems, and these are as follows:
- Kids start to lose their milk teeth at an early age
- They accidentally chip their tooth
- Constant thumb sucking
- Being bottle fed for an extended period
- In some cases, crooked teeth are also hereditary
Our teeth change as we grow, sometimes one doesn’t align well with the other teeth to give you that million-dollar smile. Your dentist will be the one who will assess the condition of your child’s teeth. If they have more severe problems with their teeth, then the dentist would usually recommend you accompany your child to visit an orthodontist. If your child should have braces or not will be up to the orthodontist to decide.
When is the best time to have braces?
There is no specific age when your child can start wearing braces. As long as all of the permanent teeth are fully grown, then they can have their teeth fixed through braces. Experts say that kids should start making it a habit to visit an orthodontist from age ten and above so it would be easier to assess some of the common problems such as teeth overcrowding, over biting and other issues.
What to expect on your first appointment with the orthodontist?
During your initial visit the orthodontist will conduct a thorough examination of your child’s mouth, teeth, and jaw. You should expect him to ask your child to perform several exercises and ask some questions regarding chewing, biting, swallowing, and jaw clicking. The orthodontist may need to take several X-rays to check if all the permanent teeth have come through already. In some cases, they can create an impression of your child’s teeth by using a unique material that will give a replica of their teeth before deciding on what course of treatment to recommend.
Lastly, should the orthodontist recommend braces for your kids, they will discuss different forms of braces, including the costs. Braces can help align teeth, making it easier to grind food.
To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.
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