Orthodontic Options For Kids
If you have a child whose teeth are misaligned, you may be seeking an effective way to straighten their teeth. Some orthodontic options, such as clear aligners, are only suitable for teens and adults.
Here are a few orthodontic appliances that are typically kid-friendly.
Conventional Braces
Conventional braces have been used to align the teeth of children for many years. The braces reposition a youngster's teeth using an archwire, brackets, and elastic ligatures.
One bracket is affixed to each tooth. The archwire is connected to the brackets by elastic bands. Thus, as the archwire is tightened or adjusted, the pressure is transferred to the brackets and subsequently to the teeth to move them into the desired positions. Conventional braces can be used even if a child suffers from a severe malocclusion.
Damon Braces
Damon braces work in the same manner as conventional braces. However, they straighten a child's teeth quicker and with less discomfort.
The advantages of Damon system braces are due to the construction of the Damon brackets. Instead of requiring elastic bands to attach the archwire to the brackets, Damon system brackets are self-ligating.
The brackets include small holes through which the archwire is fed. The tunnel-like holes produce less friction than the elastic bands of traditional braces do. As a result, less pressure is required to overcome the friction and reposition the teeth. The reduction in tooth-aligning pressure allows the alignment process to be speedier and more comfortable. In addition, fewer archwire adjustments are needed during the alignment process.
Lingual Braces
Like traditional braces, lingual braces include an archwire, elastic bands, and brackets. However, the location of the brackets during the treatment differs.
Traditional braces are placed on the front side of the teeth. Lingual braces are placed on the back side, next to the tongue.
The lingual braces offer several advantages for active kids. Because of their location in the mouth, the brackets don't injure the inner cheeks and lips when a child is struck in the mouth by an errant ball or a collision with a playmate. Also, kids who may be self-conscious about wearing braces may feel more comfortable with lingual braces because the appliance remains hidden from view.
The lingual braces straighten the teeth as effectively as traditional and Damon system braces. Thus, they are appropriate for most kids, regardless of the degree of dental misalignment.
To determine the best orthodontic option for your child, schedule an appointment with a dentist like Hyten David W DMD.