Parents love watching their kids grow and learn but also have to keep an eye out for when their little ones need a bit of dental TLC, like getting those pesky braces. We hear from parents all the time who are curious about whether their child needs braces, when’s the best time to start treatment, and what the whole process is gonna be like. Now we get it, these are super important questions and we know that parents just want the best for their kids and that includes their dental health. Every kid is different and grows at a different rate, which is why the orthodontic needs of each one can be totally unpredictable from the kid next door. Invisalign aligners gently move teeth into alignment without metal braces. Each Invisalign tray is clear, comfortable, and custom-made, allowing patients to remove them easily for meals or brushing. This treatment offers a discreet and effective way to achieve a confident smile.
The American Association of Orthodontists says that it’s a good idea for kids to get their first checkup around the time they turn 7. Now, not every 7 year old is gonna need to go straight to braces, but this age is great because it lets us catch any potential problems before they get any worse and fix them while they’re still relatively easy to sort out. It’s a lot easier to deal with some issues when kids are still growing. Plus early intervention can often stop things from getting more complicated later on, which means less invasive treatment for the kid. We do these early checkups at Marrecau Orthodontics and give parents the straight lowdown on whether their kid needs to be treated right away or if we should just keep an eye on things for now. Invisalign Teen gives younger patients a flexible and comfortable way to straighten their teeth. The aligners are nearly invisible, easy to wear, and perfect for active teens. Invisalign Teen also includes wear indicators that help track progress throughout treatment.
Some of the things that most often bring kids to see us are things like crowding, where there just isn’t enough room for their permanent teeth to come in properly, spacing issues, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Sometimes baby teeth just get stuck and permanent teeth come in at funny angles instead. If you’ve let a kid use a pacifier for a while or they’re a thumb sucker, it’s possible that it could end up changing how their teeth and jaws grow. We take a really close look at each kid’s teeth and then explain to the parents what’s going on in plain English.
Braces can be a source of worry for kids and their parents, but modern orthodontic treatments are a lot more comfortable and effective than most people would give them credit for. Today’s braces are a whole lot smaller, less noticeable, and less painful than the ones that our parents used to have to wear. This is largely down to advances in technology which have really come a long way. We take the time to explain the whole process to kids in a way that’s suitable for their age, so they know what to expect, and that really helps to ease their worries. A lot of our young patients are actually really excited to pick out some brightly coloured elastic bands for their braces, and it’s not uncommon to see a bunch of kids at school showing off their new smiles, which can be a great conversation starter.
When we decide when to start treatment can depend on all sorts of things. During the initial evaluation we’ll get a good idea of what’s going on, and some kids do really well with a phased approach, where they start with a bit of a combination of baby teeth and permanent ones still growing in. This can help get the jaw growing in the right way, give the permanent teeth some room, and even address some of the habits that can sometimes get in the way of things. After the first phase, we often take a bit of a break, waiting for the rest of the permanent teeth to come in, before moving on to the second phase, where we fit full braces to make sure all the teeth are properly aligned. Some kids actually fare better if we wait until most or all of their permanent teeth have come in, before fitting them with a full set of braces.
One of the concerns that a lot of parents have is how this will all affect their child’s daily life, from eating and playing sports to brushing their teeth and doing their schoolwork. In our consultations, we make sure to go over all these real-life issues and give you some practical advice on how to make things work for your child. The good news is that kids can still do all the things they love to do, even with braces. They just might need to wear a mouthguard when they play sports, and getting used to playing a musical instrument might take a bit of practice. And as for food, there are some things that you should try to avoid so as not to damage the brackets and wires, but most kids get used to these rules pretty quickly, and they don’t really notice too much of a difference.
With braces, it’s especially important for kids to take good care of their teeth. Food can get stuck around the brackets and wires a lot easier, so it’s really important that you show them how to brush and floss properly. We’ll also make sure they’re visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings and exams, to keep their teeth and gums healthy. By taking good care of your teeth at home and having a professional check on them every now and then, you can really help to prevent cavities and gum problems from developing while they’ve got their braces on.
The length of time that treatment takes can vary. It really depends on what needs to be fixed and how well each child responds to treatment. For simple cases, we can sometimes have things sorted out in around 12 to 18 months, but for more complicated cases, it might take two years or more. We’ll make sure that you and your family have a realistic idea of what to expect from the get go, and we’ll keep an eye on progress through regular appointments, usually every 4 to 8 weeks. These appointments are a great opportunity for us to check on how the teeth are moving, make any necessary adjustments, and make sure everything is going according to plan.
Of course, one of the main concerns for a lot of families is the cost of orthodontic treatment, but we try to make things as straightforward as possible. We deal with most of the major insurance plans that cover orthodontics, and we’ll help you understand what you’re covered for and what you might have to pay out of pocket. We even offer flexible payment plans, so you can spread the cost over time rather than paying it all in one go. We believe that every child deserves access to good orthodontic care, regardless of their family’s financial situation, so we work hard to make sure that families in Parkland can afford it.
Orthodontic treatment for kids doesn’t just straighten their teeth. It can also have a whole lot of other benefits that can last a lifetime. When their teeth are in the right place, it’s a lot easier for them to keep them clean, which in turn means a lower risk of cavities and gum disease. A proper bite can also help to prevent uneven wear on the teeth, and can even help to alleviate jaw pain or trouble chewing. And as their smile improves, we often find that kids become a lot more confident in themselves, and that can really pay off in the long run.
We love working with kids and their families at Marrecau Orthodontics. We make sure that every child feels safe and welcome, and that their parents are always in the loop and supported every step of the way. We’re proud to be a part of the growth and development of our young patients, and we’ve got a lot of experience helping them get healthy, attractive smiles. If you’re not sure if your child needs an orthodontic evaluation or treatment, we invite you to come and meet us. We’d love to take a look at their teeth and give you some personalized advice based on their individual needs and growth.