Have you observed that the front teeth of your kid are crowded or that they have crooked teeth? Do you feel like your kid might benefit from getting braces to fix these issues?
When is the ideal age for kids to wear braces? Clueless about when to schedule a braces appointment for your kid? We have decided to come to your rescue as always. Here is a quick guide that will tell you when you must consider braces for your kids.
What do braces do and who needs braces?
Braces help to fix malocclusion, which is nothing but improper bite where your upper front teeth and lower front teeth don’t fit together. Braces help to treat orthodontic issues like crossbite, underbite, crooked teeth and overbite. They exert pressure on your teeth and they push your teeth back to their ideal locations.
The ideal time for a kid to get braces is between 10 years and 14 years of age. Though childhood years are the best time to get braces as your teeth are still developing, you can consider getting braces even as a teenager or an adult if you suffer from any of the above-mentioned orthodontic problems.
When should you book your first orthodontist appointment?
An early appointment with a paediatric orthodontist will help you to understand whether your child needs braces for the teeth at the present moment or in the near future. Ideally, you must get your child’s teeth examined by a paediatric orthodontist by the age of 7 as by then most of their teeth would be developed.
If you are not sure whether you should take your child to an orthodontist, then the best solution is to take your kid to your dentist and let him first check your child’s teeth.
What are some signs and symptoms to look for?
Teeth misalignment in kids is caused by various reasons like genetics, thumb-sucking, grinding, etc. There are many early signs and symptoms which will let you know that there is a possibility that your kid might be suffering from a teeth misalignment. Some of these signs include:
- Lisping
- Whistling and Slurring
- Difficulty while biting and chewing
- Breathing through mouth
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, then we recommend that you don’t postpone booking an appointment with a paediatric orthodontist for your kid.
Tips to help your child adjust to braces
Now that your kid is wearing braces for the teeth, how can you make his or her journey less painful and stress-free? Here are some handy tips and tricks for parents whose kids have just started their teeth straightening journey.
- Show your kid how to brush around their braces wire and how to floss.
- Instil good oral hygiene and teach them the importance of brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day.
- Prepare them for the pain and seek relief through cold compression, orthodontic wax or over-the-counter painkillers or anaesthetic oral gels. We recommend that you first discuss with your orthodontist before you resort to over-the-counter pain relief options for your kid.
- Remind your kids that the end goal is worth it and they will get straight pearly whites after their treatment gets over.
Choose makeO toothsi clear aligners over traditional braces
Don’t want to put your little ones through braces pain but want them to have a healthy smile? We present to you the new-age makeO toothsi clear aligners. These clear aligners will fix your kid’s orthodontic issues without causing them too much pain or discomfort.
Want to know the best part? You and your kid no longer have to spend hours outside any orthodontist’s clinic as makeO provides a unique at-home teeth straightening service.
Hurry! Book a free 3D scan with makeO today to begin your kid’s teeth straightening journey.