As a parent, you want to help your child maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. When your little one grows older, you might begin to wonder if they require braces. Besides helping with teeth alignment, these dental appliances can also address other problems. Determine whether your child needs these orthodontic devices by reviewing the following guide before speaking with a dentist.

Reasons Your Child May Need Braces

There are functional and aesthetic reasons why kids need braces. However, these devices typically address crooked or overlapping teeth or improper spacing. They can also help with malocclusion, which refers to how the jaw and teeth fit together in the mouth. Any of these situations can cause children to feel insecure about how their smiles look.

Many kids often don't notice the adverse health effects caused by such dental problems. For instance, malocclusion can result in headaches and contribute to frequent cheek biting and mouth pain. Crooked or overlapped teeth can also be harder to clean properly, leading to cavities. Braces can solve many of these problems by aligning the jaw properly. If your child experiences a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), these orthodontic appliances help relieve discomfort.

Types of Braces

There are two types of braces: traditional and aligners. The former are devices with brackets, wires, and rubber bands. In contrast to this option, removable aligners like Invisalign® are clear and can be indistinguishable. However, they are not suitable for children with cavities, severe overbites, or large gaps. Kids also need to have all their adult teeth in place for this alternative.

Depending on the condition of their teeth, your child could need additional dental appliances, such as headgear. This device is worn at night and is a horseshoe-shaped wire attached to the back of the braces. It applies more force to straighten your little one's teeth.

How Your Child Can Care for Them

Traditional braces require visiting the dentist every few weeks for adjusting and monitoring. Along with these regular sessions, your child must practice the correct oral care routine. Brushing after each meal is a must, and they need to use flossing tools to help them work around the brackets and wires.

To avoid damaging braces, a child with these orthodontic devices should avoid foods such as popcorn, nuts, hard candy, and gum. You should also limit their consumption of sugary beverages, as they can make teeth harder to clean. 

If you think your child needs braces, turn to James Julien, DDS, in Kenai, AK, for advice. This advanced clinic offers families a safe and relaxing environment to provide a wide range of dental care treatments, including cleanings, crowns, and Invisalign. Learn more about their general dentistry services online, and call (907) 283- 4857 to make an appointment today.