What Are The Different Types of Braces For Children?
Are you trying to learn more about the different types of braces? If yes, you should check out our guide by clicking right here.
Did you know that 4.5 million Americans (mainly children and teenagers) wear braces to help straighten their teeth?
Getting braces are often advised by dental professionals to help align teeth and straighten them. There used to be a big stigma around wearing braces, but nowadays there are many different types of braces available to suit all needs.
Keep reading to discover more about dental braces, including the different types of braces and the pros and cons of each brace.
What Are Dental Braces?
As mentioned, dental braces are used to align and straighten teeth. There are various reasons why a person might require orthodontic treatment such as to improve dental health, fix gaps in their teeth, and to fix overcrowding teeth. Braces can also help to reposition teeth in a person’s mouth and correct the bite.
Often braces are fitted in the mouths of young children and teenagers, to straighten their teeth while they are still growing. However, adults can also have brace treatment if they need it. Dental braces are usually fitted for 18 months up to 2 years, during this time your child will need to visit their orthodontist every 6 to 8 weeks.
What Types of Braces Are There?
During a consultation, your child’s orthodontist will be able to discuss the right option for your child and their teeth. However, there are five main different kinds of braces. Some of which are better suited for specific orthodontic conditions. If you are unsure and would like to know more about braces, you can search for the best Calgary orthodontist to learn more about it. The professionals will be able to give you advice that are suitable for your needs.
The types of braces for teeth are traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, self-ligating braces, and Invisalign.
1. Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces have a metal bracket and a bendable metal wire. The metal bracket is attached to the teeth, while the metal wire is threaded through the brackets. This allows enough pressure to be applied to the teeth in order for them to realign.
Traditional metal braces are often the most inexpensive option and can help move the teeth the quickest of all the options, which is why many children and teenagers get these braces. Previously, metal braces were larger and intrusive. However, due to the latest technology, metal braces aren’t that noticeable and don’t cause much pain.
Some children feel self-conscious with metal braces because they are still the most noticeable braces available. Different colored bands can be used to improve the appearance of the braces and personalize them for each child, but some children might still prefer less noticeable braces.
2. Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made from a material that matches the color and texture of your teeth. That’s why ceramic braces are a popular choice for self-conscious children and teenagers who don’t want traditional metal braces.
Ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces. However, they offer a quick treatment (compared to other brace options such as Invisalign) without the braces being too noticeable.
A negative of ceramic braces is that they require a strict cleaning schedule because like real teeth, they can stain easily. Another negative is that some people who have these braces also report a similar level of discomfort as traditional braces.
3. Lingual Braces
Lingual braces sit on the inside of the teeth, as opposed to the outside (like traditional and ceramic braces do). The good thing about lingual braces is their discreet nature. Due to being placed on the inside of the teeth, lingual brace wearers don’t need to worry about how noticeable these braces are.
Another benefit of lingual braces is that they are less intrusive than traditional metal and ceramic braces. However, lingual braces are more difficult to keep clean which can make looking after these braces a challenge.
Another negative is that lingual braces make it harder to talk. Most braces may affect speech, but lingual braces, in particular, may cause speech problems.
Lingual braces might not be right for patients who need extensive treatment, such as those with severe conditions. They also take longer to straighten teeth and may cost more than traditional metal braces do.
4. Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces similarly use a bracket and wire mechanism (as seen with traditional metal and ceramic braces). However, the brackets of self-ligating braces use clips to hold the wire in place, as opposed to rubber band ties. Many orthodontists prefer to use these types of braces, however, some still favor the traditional metal braces.
Self-ligating braces are less painful than other braces and less food gets stuck in them. Another great thing about self-ligating braces is that they often mean the patient has to visit the orthodontist less. You can get self-ligating braces in either metal or ceramic materials.
However, self-ligating braces might not be right for everyone. They offer shorter treatment periods but this might not be effective for all patients, especially those with severe orthodontic conditions.
5. Invisalign
Invisalign is a type of aligner that can be fitted for each patient’s individual mouth. Invisalign is an ideal option for those who want flexibility with their treatment and have standard alignment problems. A benefit of Invisalign is that they are invisible when a person is wearing them. They also offer more comfort than other braces.
Invisible braces can be removed to clean the teeth and aligners, which makes dental hygiene easier and less painful. However, Invisalign might not be the right choice for everyone, especially those with more severe orthodontic conditions. Another negative is that Invisalign is more expensive than traditional braces.
Find out more about braces for young children and see whether you should get your child dental braces.
Find the Right Braces and Straighten Your Child’s Smile
Choosing the right option for your child and their orthodontist needs is important. There are many influencing factors that will shape the types of braces your child needs, including the treatment needed to fix the problem, how comfortable the braces feel for your child, and the cost of the braces. Make sure you fully discuss your options with your orthodontist and child before choosing the right option for you and them.
If you found this article insightful, be sure to check out some of our other parenting and home life articles.