People are more comfortable and exude a confident aura when they have straight and healthy teeth. Unfortunately, not everyone has a set of perfectly arranged, pearly white teeth. But that’s okay. Luckily, you can do something about it.
Braces provide a solution to crooked teeth. When teeth grow in at all kinds of angles, it not only messes with a perfect smile but it causes problems in chewing and speaking and worst of all, it can cause severe pain. Braces are designed to remedy the problem by straightening teeth over time. Dentists often recommend braces for kids with crooked teeth.
Reading this, you know braces are the perfect solution for your kid’s overbite but you are unsure of where to start. Well, to help with your situation we’ve taken the liberty of preparing a guide answering some common questions about braces.
What is the best age for braces?
Well, all kids are different. So, unfortunately, there isn’t a specific age that’s perfect for getting braces. To determine if the time is right, you should be aware of your kid’s oral health.
When you visit a dentist in Airdrie, be prepared to answer questions about two types of teeth – 12-year molars and the primary teeth. The 12-year molars are also called second molars. They are permanent teeth that break the gum between the age of 11 and 13. Before braces are put on, these teeth should be present.
On the other hand, primary teeth are also known as baby teeth. While your family dentist in Airdrie can place braces on the primary teeth, often the treatment has little to no effect since the primary teeth will eventually shed to give room for the adult teeth underneath. As such, it’s always advisable to let the primary teeth shed.
How many teeth does your child have to lose to have braces?
This is yet another question with a not-so-straight-forward answer. While dentists in Airdrie prefer that kids wait until they have shed their baby teeth, in some instances, kids need braces installed a little earlier to address issues including over or under bites, abnormal jaw growth and overcrowding of teeth.
In the above circumstances, getting braces helps create room for permanent teeth to erupt safely in the right places. The above reasons may be why you may have seen kids ages 10 or below with braces.
Talking to your child about getting braces when the time is right
Even though you’re the adult and will make the decision, it’s important to include your child in the decision-making process. Your child may not have real power over when and where to get the braces, but giving him/her the illusion of being in control helps to sweeten the experience. This is especially important when dealing with an adolescent child.
When having the talk, preferably before visiting the family dentist in Airdrie, try and explain the following:
– Braces are common – it will help if you point out celebrities who had braces when growing up.
– Braces will make their future smile charming – there is nothing as good as giving a child something to look forward to. Explain how beautiful and charming their teeth and smile will be when the treatment is complete.
– Braces won’t affect normal activities – when your child prepares to get braces, he needs to know that it will not affect his participation in school activates he has grown to love and enjoy.
Conclusion
Kids and teenagers are sensitive. As such, it’s important to handle them with care, especially when introducing something that will affect their appearance. It always helps to have all the facts before trying to talk to your child about it. And while this blog will help you get answers to many questions you may have, it is equally important to consult a family dentist in Airdrie.