Straight teeth and a healthy smile are essential for children’s self-esteem but are also crucial for their overall health. Your child may require braces if they have specific dental issues, such as crooked or crowded teeth. While braces can seem daunting to both the child and parent, there are many benefits to correcting these issues early on.
When to Consider Braces for Your Child
When your child loses their first tooth, their teeth and jaw will undergo many changes. For this reason, we know how important it is to monitor these changes. Your child’s teeth may appear to be straight. However, as they lose teeth and new teeth come in, problems can develop.
If your child’s teeth are crowded, misaligned, or not growing correctly, braces may be necessary to straighten and align them properly. Early intervention is critical to minimizing your child’s time to wear them.
Which Problems Are Best Caught Early?
- Missing teeth,
- Extra teeth
- Impacted teeth
- Cross-bites
- Finger or thumb habits
- Skeletal growth problems
- Unusual tooth eruption patterns
- Facial asymmetry
Orem Pediatrics Delivers FastBraces®
FastBraces uses newer technology to move teeth more safely and effectively than traditional braces or Invisalign. With a single, heat-activated wire that leverages the patient’s own body heat, FastBraces move teeth by the root first. As a result, FastBraces patients experience less pain, less time in braces, and a more permanent, lasting smile.
Fast Braces versus Traditional Braces
Traditional braces work by shifting the crown of the tooth and dragging the root along behind it. This procedure is a more painful experience for the patient and often takes up to 3 years to see long-term results. Additionally, traditional braces often open the patient to significant tooth shifting after treatment completion. While FastBraces still requires the patient to use a retainer after treatment, patients are less likely to see such a significant shifting if they lose a retainer or forget to wear it for a while.
FastBraces Versus Invisalign
Many people like the idea of having clear, invisible braces. There are pros and cons to using visible braces vs. clear aligners to straighten teeth.
Invisalign invisible braces are a popular solution for people who don’t want to wear visible braces. However, without the direct supervision of an orthodontic professional, attempting to shift your teeth with a home kit could be disastrous.
What Are the Health Benefits of Straightening Teeth with FastBraces
Did you know crooked or crowded teeth are a bigger problem than appearance?
Not only have studies shown that a straighter smile improves self-esteem, but braces can also solve many of the following issues:
- Recurring cavities
- Speech impediment
- Grinding teeth at night
- Periodontal disease & bone erosion
- Exacerbating existing mental health issues
- Issues brushing and flossing teeth correctly
- Discomfort & injuries incurred from protruding teeth
- Inability to chew effectively, leading to poor digestive health
You can read our FAQs on our website for more information on the pros & cons of Invisalign aligners.
Final Words
No child should have to suffer from any of the above conditions. We can straighten that smile, improve self-confidence, and eliminate the ongoing (and potentially expensive) issues that can stem from misaligned teeth.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s teeth.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bruce Howell
Orem Pediatric Dentistry
