How do braces work?
Traditional pediatric braces for teeth are a popular and effective way to help kids and teens achieve straight, healthy teeth. They consist of three main components:
The brackets are attached to each tooth and connected by wires, which are periodically adjusted by your orthodontist in Antioch to apply gentle pressure, gradually moving the teeth into their correct positions.
What are the benefits of traditional pediatric braces for children and teens?
It is completely normal to worry when your child’s pediatric dentist recommends they start wearing braces. Knowing the benefits braces for teeth have for your child or teenager is therefore useful. Here are the main ones:
- Improved dental health. Straightening teeth makes it easier to clean them, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Enhanced confidence: A beautiful, straight smile can significantly boost a teenager’s self-esteem, making those years gentler for everyone.
- Preserved long-term oral health: Early orthodontic treatment can prevent more severe and complicated dental problems in the future.
- Better functionality: Correctly aligned teeth improve biting, chewing, and speaking abilities.
Which orthodontic issues do traditional braces address?
Traditional pediatric braces address a range of orthodontic issues, such as:
- Crooked teeth: Straighten misaligned teeth for a more uniform appearance.
- Overcrowding: Create space for teeth that are too close together.
- Gaps: Close spaces between teeth for a more even smile.
- Overbites: Correct upper teeth that stick out too far over the lower teeth.
- Underbites: Align lower teeth that extend past the upper teeth.
- Crossbites: Fix teeth that don’t align properly when the mouth is closed.
As a parent watching your child grow, you might wonder when visiting your orthodontist in Antioch for braces is necessary. Children can start wearing braces once they have most of their permanent teeth, typically between the ages of 7 and 14.
However, the exact age can vary depending on each child's dental development and specific orthodontic needs. Early evaluation by a pediatric orthodontist in Antioch, around the age of 7, is recommended to determine the best time to start treatment.
What is the difference between phases 1 and phase 2 of braces?
Phase 1 and phase 2 orthodontic treatments differ primarily in focus and timing.
Phase 1 of the braces orthodontic treatment focuses on correcting a single major dental issue, typically when baby teeth are still present. Phase 2 of the braces orthodontic treatment addresses multiple dental and bite problems, usually after all permanent teeth have emerged.
Here are the key differences between the two phases of braces:
Phase 1 orthodontic braces treatment:
- Problem-focused, aiming to correct one major issue
- Typically lasts about 12 months
- Initiated when baby teeth are still present or loose, sometimes as early as 7 or 8 years old
Phase 2 orthodontic braces treatment:
- Addresses multiple problems with your child’s teeth and bite
- Its duration ranges from 12 to 36 months, depending on the complexity and severity of the case
- Generally begins when all adult teeth are present
Your first free visit to Kanopi Kids
We take care of your little ones from day one. During your child’s first free visit to Kanopi Kids, you can expect a friendly and welcoming environment where we take initial records like X-rays and photographs. Dr. Anwar will perform a thorough examination to create a personalized treatment plan and recommend which types of braces suit your child best. Dr. Anwar will also explain every step (including braces cost) to ensure comfort and understanding for both parents and kids.