Orthodontic Treatment

Kid-Friendly Orthodontic Treatment at Yudhisther's Dental Care

What is orthodontic treatment for children?
Orthodontic treatment for children is mostly done to correct misaligned or crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatments can improve the child's oral health, function, and appearance and resolve potential dental issues that may arise. Dental appliances like braces, aligners, and others can be used to reach a perfect smile that will stay intact for the rest of their lives.
 

Why would a kid need orthodontic treatment?
A kid may need orthodontic treatment for several reasons, including:

• Crooked or crowded teeth

Teeth that are crowded, spaced unevenly, overlapping, and crooked also need braces to form a straightened smile for aesthetic appeal.

• Bite problems

Problems like crossbite, overbite, underbite, and open bite can cause eating, speaking, and overall dental health problems. 

• Speech difficulties

Some children may develop speaking difficulties or problems pronouncing specific sounds or words. This could be due to dental or jaw misaligned. 

• Dental trauma

A tooth fracture or loss, which can be caused by dental trauma, can also affect the teeth, which requires orthodontic treatment. 

• Aesthetic concerns

Many times children may become self-conscious about smiling due to their teeth. To boost their confidence, getting aligners can be significant. 
 

What are the Different Types of orthodontic treatments?
There are several different types of orthodontic treatments available, including:

• Traditional braces

These are effective and affordable and have metal or ceramic brackets and wires. This makes the teeth move to their desired position gradually. 

• Clear aligners

These are removable, clear, and custom-made. They are very comfortable and have less maintenance but are not for all dental issues. They are made repeatedly according to the shifting teeth to the desired position. 

• Lingual braces

In this, the brackets are attached to the back of the teeth, which makes them invisible. Their drawback is that they are difficult to clean and can cause discomfort.

• Self-ligating braces

These braces use specialized clips to hold the wire in place, which does not require elastic bands. These are very comfortable and easy to use, which allows less time spent at the dentist. 

• Palatal expanders

These are used to widen the upper jaw to create more space for teeth to move and to improve bite alignment. 

• Headgears

These are used for severe teeth misalignment and jaw issues worn outside the mouth. 
 

How to make kids comfortable with orthodontic treatment?
You can make your kid comfortable with orthodontic treatment with these easy tips: 

• Explain the process well and make them understand its long-term benefits. 
• Answer their question with patience and provide an honest opinion. 
• Choose the right and kid-friendly orthodontist that will make the experience for the child good. At Yudhisther's Dental Care, a child can get the correct environment for an excellent orthodontic treatment. 
• You can bring their favorite toys or game as a distraction. 
• Offer rewards or incentives so that they are ready and motivated for the next appointment.
• Make them familiar with good oral hygiene so that getting braces and aligners can be made more comfortable. 
   

Procedure for getting orthodontic treatment for kids
The procedure for getting orthodontic treatment for kids typically involves the following steps:

Step 1: The orthodontist will analyze the child's oral health, select a treatment plan, and do so using an X-ray or 3D scan. The type of orthodontic treatment, the course of therapy, the cost, and the length of the treatment will then be decided. 

Step 2: The next step is for the orthodontist to make an impression of the kid's teeth, design personalized braces, and provide a better diagnosis and action plan. 

Step 3: After cleaning the teeth, the braces will be attached. The brackets will then be attached to the front tooth using dental glue. The orthodontist will then fasten it by threading a wire through the brackets.

Step 4: The dentist will schedule routine appointments every two to four weeks to check your progress and adjust the wire. The wires are tightened to hold the teeth in position and move them to the proper location. 

Step 5: The brace will be removed once the teeth have been aligned and straightened. Moreover, the extra dental adhesive will be polished or removed. 

Step 6: The child will be given a retainer to guarantee the teeth maintain their new position. The retainers may be affixed behind the teeth or detachable according to the child's need.
 

How to take care of orthodontic treatment?
Here are some of the tips to take care of orthodontic treatment: 

• Brush and floss regularly to ensure that no food particle gets trapped in the brackets and wires.
• Avoid hard and sticky foods
• Use orthodontic wax to release discomfort
• Attend dentist appointments regularly
   

What advantages come with straightening teeth with braces? 
These are a few advantages of having straight teeth with braces: 

• Enhanced dental health 
• Get confidence by having a great smile and improving the child's aesthetics.
• Significant relief from headache, jaw pain, and other discomforts 
• Improved chewing and biting 
• Improved general health