Dealing with oral health and dental hygiene begins from the moment the first tooth erupts. Taking care of oral health, making sure teeth are emerging properly, cavities are not developing, teeth are all properly aligned are some of the basic aspects every parent and later children need to take care of.

As children develop a few dental issues may come up which hinder the normal development of teeth and will need expertise and support from dentists. When parents suspect that their child needs treatment, it is recommended that they seek help when the child is around 7-9 years old.

Everyone wishes for a perfect set of teeth, parents should also look for out signs that point towards needing treatment. Crooked teeth, misaligned teeth, overcrowded teeth or overlapping teeth all these are signs to watch out for. Jaw problems are sometimes seen due to habits in childhood like thumb sucking or extensive use of pacifiers.

The good thing about baby teeth is that once they fall out, permanent teeth will take their place. Natural replacement teeth are there without one needing to worry about other implants. But when the above mentioned issues crop up, dentists will suggest braces for children

Age for braces and treatment

The apt time for wearing braces for children is usually when a child has lost a majority of his/her baby teeth and permanent teeth have made their appearance. So this will be at a time when the child is around 8/9 years of age. Orthodontics can predict if the child is going to have dental issues of overbite or uneven bite as early as 8years. Early detection helps in an early start of treatment.

When checked by a specialist, it does not mean that the treatment will start right away. X-rays are taken and most of the time, dental moulds of the child are taken for the dentist to get a good impression of how the teeth and jaws are taking shape. Once this is studied thoroughly the next course of treatment is planned.

When treatment is decided at a stage when permanent teeth have not fully come out, dentists will decide to go for an interceptive method. Use of dental appliances is used in this treatment. Braces are used at a later stage in treatment when permanent teeth make their appearance. As each child develops at a different pace and has different progress, the treatment is decided based on the nature of the severity of dental issues.

Types of braces

Braces help in correcting the position of the teeth. Teeth are sometimes pushed against each other or there is overcrowding of teeth in some cases, some would also have misaligned jaw bones which result in highly irregular teeth structure. To move the teeth to their correct position and correct the abnormalities by applying constant gentle pressure is what braces do.

There is a wide range of braces available – fixed appliances and removable appliances, retainers and the more recent temporary anchorage devices. Fixed appliances are the most common -braces that are widely used. They come in different types depending on the materials used. Metal braces, ceramic braces are all available for one to choose from. Removable appliances as the name suggests are a type of braces that can be removed and they are custom made.

Retainers are used at a later phase in the treatment plan. They work a bit differently than braces. They do not exert pressure in the teeth and move them but rather hold the teeth in their position. They are used when braces have been removed. Temporary anchorage devices or TADs are small screws that are fixed to the jaw bone from which pressure is applied to move the teeth. They are temporary devices and are removed after the course of treatment.

Upkeep for braces

Teaching children how to care for their braces would pose some challenges. Food can get easily stuck on metal wires or rubber bands. Removing them from braces requires proper attention. Brushing and flossing after meals are especially important after meals – this helps in maintaining good oral hygiene. It is important that kids are taught how to brush and floss while braces are on. Checking with the dentists for guidance will benefit.

Cleaning tools for braces are also available in the market. Cleaning becomes easier if they are removable. If removable, then it can be taken out and properly cleaned before usage. But for the majority of the cases, the dentists will advise not to remove them- this helps in getting used to wearing braces and also for the braces to set well. Parents can help kids learn the good techniques for cleaning braces.

Food habits also need to be changed while one is using braces. Soft food is most preferred during this time. Sugary and hard food is difficult to chew and can harm the braces. Food like candies can get stuck to the braces and will be quite difficult to clean. If the braces or wires come off then it is best to seek help from the specialist. Poking wires and broken braces can cause injury to the soft oral tissues.

Care must also be taken if children are involved in contact sports. Injury to the mouth is common in contact sports. Consultation with the dentist will help on how to provide proper protection to braces and mouth when engaging in contact sports. Similar to this is also children who are learning wind instruments. Having braces can affect ones learning and practicing these instruments. Checking with the specialist on the type of instrument that one plays and the possible difficulties can be discussed.

It is important that follow up dental consultations are kept. This will help the dentist to examine how well the child is coping with using braces. Oral hygiene can also be checked during these sessions. If needed braces can be adjusted so the teeth move to their desired position. Using any dental appliance or undergoing any dental procedure does not guarantee disease free condition, it is important to have consultations with the dentist and also follow good oral cleaning practices.