About Children and Braces

Children and teenagers are ideal candidates for orthodontic treatment. Because the jawbone is soft and still growing, a young patient’s smile is particularly receptive to re-alignment. In addition to enhanced aesthetics, a straighter smile also offers significant health benefits including improved speech and better access for oral hygiene.

Realities of Aligners for Children:  What every parent needs to know or may have heard

Although we can offer aligners for children (and certainly teens), since the majority of approximately 75% of patients in most specialty orthodontic practices in North American continue to be children many parents have been choosing mini braces as well. Our office is similar and again, we do recommend aligners for children if:

1)  They do not have many dental impactions, delays in eruption, jaw growth issues such as asymmetries, or deciduous teeth being lost in the future, etc., in order to reduce repeated dental re-scanning of the newly erupting permanent teeth.

2) The parent, and child need to be prepared according to the literature (Shahabuddin AJO/DO, 2023) for up to 3 extra sets of refinements above and beyond the first large group of aligners, that is directly related to 1) above.

3) The parent can be aware that their child particularly if in the average age group of 12-14 years old or younger, may not have all their teeth fully erupted and consequently have short crowns that make the aligners loose, or have newly erupting permanent teeth that can also make the aligners loose.

4)  The parents are absolutely confident their child can wear the aligners the required 23hrs/day (to allow brushing-flossing, eating and snacking) for approximately a year or more, meaning each child may need to remove the aligners at least approximately 4 times/day X 365 days/year =1,460 times/year or more.

5) The child can seat each set of aligners with the new rectangular chewable “Kubie” (see their individual use also under EDUCATION, Biliateral Molar Intruder) to “track” the aligner with Kubie pressure tightly against the teeth to prevent air bubbles and express all of the orthodontist’s programmed movements accurately.

6) The child can remember to immediately place the aligners back onto their teeth after eating without feeling it is “gross” as reported at school particularly when having lunch. We recommend rinsing the teeth and aligners in the bathroom and placing the aligners with greater privacy and personal comfort.

7) The child is responsible enough not to lose the aligners that would delay their aligner treatment since new aligners would need to be ordered.

8) The child is careful not to break or flatten the aligners by lifting them with their hands and tongue, and chewing on them as we have seen.  This would also delay their treatment, along with other complications.

When Should You See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a visit to the orthodontist at age 7 (or earlier if oral or facial irregularities are present). Early intervention allows us to guide the growth of the jawbone, ensuring that permanent teeth come in straight. We do this by creating more space where teeth are crowded and regulating the width of the upper and lower jaw. This helps to avoid impacted teeth and other costly and painful complications later on in life.

What Causes Misalignment?

Most bite issues are inherited, but they can also be caused or exacerbated by habits and behaviors that are common with young children including finger-sucking, overuse of pacifiers, poor nutrition and poor oral hygiene.

Diagnosis

To determine if your child will benefit from braces, we will perform several painless diagnostic procedures. This initial phase may include panoramic X-rays, photographic dental scanning including the bite, and computer generated images of the head, neck and jaw. These steps also help us to decide on the best treatment option for your child.

Treatment

Braces are common among children. For this reason, the embarrassment factor is low when compared to adults, and therefore we often use traditional metal braces on children. Colourful bands are added, giving kids a new and fun way to express themselves! As a child moves into the teen years, however, he or she may request a more discreet treatment method such as Invisalign® or clear ceramic braces.

We are here to make your child’s orthodontic experience as comfortable and successful as possible. Please give us a call for more information.