Braces for children are not purely for cosmetic reasons. There are a host of oral health reasons that you may want to consider children’s braces, and this is one of the reasons that the number of people searching online for terms such as ‘children’s orthodontist near me’ and ‘different kinds of dental braces for teenagers’ have become ever more common. Being a teenager can be difficult without throwing crooked teeth into the mix. When orthodontic treatment becomes a must, it’s important that you and your teen have all the right information in order to make the most of it, and get the best possible results to straighten your teeth. This guide gives you all the information you will need about which orthodontic options are best for you and your teen. Whether you are looking for Invisalign Teen or braces for your teen or child, we look at the various options as to how we can help at our award-winning orthodontics London dental practice.
Why orthodontics?
Smiles aren’t just about self-esteem, they impact our social life and our overall health. Having properly aligned teeth can actually improve speech, chewing, breathing, sleeping, and overall health, which is why braces or Invisalign for your child or teenager are something it’s important not to overlook. Often parents and guardians ask when their child should see an orthodontist. Children can benefit from early orthodontic treatment. You should be thinking about it once they start secondary school. Straighter teeth are also less prone to tooth decay, gum disease, and injuries which can add up to significant savings on dental costs over time. And by increasing jaw mobility, orthodontics for your teenager can spare your child a lifetime of pain and headaches that can come from a misaligned bite. A smile that looks better, will help create a positive self-image for your teen and in return, their learning and development will be productive and will set them up for a healthy and positive future. That's why it is important to help your child get the benefit of a wonderful smile.
What is a specialist orthodontist and what does an orthodontist do?
Most kids grow up visiting the dentist every six months, but suddenly they need braces and they have to see an orthodontist instead. The difference between a dentist and a specialist orthodontist is that an orthodontist is a dentist who has undertaken further training after qualifying as a dentist and is on the specialist register with the GDC. They specialise in the movement of the teeth and improving the harmony of your mouth and jaw. Benefits of treatment include correction of dental crowding, straightening of teeth, correction of your bite and improving your appearance. Most treatments involve the use of braces or retainers. When it comes to orthodontics, there are 2 different kinds of dental braces for teenager to consider:
- Fixed appliances
- Fixed appliances, better known as braces, remain the most popular type of orthodontic appliance. Braces for children now come in a wide range of types including metal, ceramic (clear braces) and those fitted behind the teeth (lingual braces). With this type of treatment, patients’ most frequent question is whether braces hurt. Usually, they’re not painful but can create a higher discomfort than the alternative removable appliances.
- Removable appliances
- Removable appliances are commonly known for the brand Invisalign. These include removable aligners, what are often referred to as clear braces for teens, and functional appliances as well as simple conventional types.
Invisalign vs braces for teenagers
Both traditional braces and Invisalign are effective for straightening teeth while also improving your smile and oral health. We can use either in most cases for child orthodontic treatment, and often we use a combination. However, for some movements, one option is better than the other. Also, some children are forgetful and often lose things, so fixed can be easier as less to remember! Cleaning is slightly more difficult with fixed braces so then a removable option makes it easier to clean. Our orthodontist will discuss all the pros and cons with you to make the right choice for your child. Invisalign teen is a great way to get straight teeth without metal braces. It is also a good option for those teenagers who play certain contact sports like rugby or kickboxing, which might require them to wear mouthguards at times. Additionally, it gives them the freedom to remove their appliance and eat whatever they want, then place it back afterwards. Not to mention the advantages for those who feel some level of insecurity about wearing braces. Of course, every case is different and the best way to go about your treatment is to have an initial consultation with our specialist orthodontist at Bow Lane Dental in the City of London who will be able to give you a bespoke course of treatment, tailored to you and your smile’s needs. Once you are done you need to consider retainers. Retainers are not an orthodontic appliance in that they do not move the teeth. They are however essential in all cases to help prevent the teeth from moving once the braces are removed.
How can I know when to visit an orthodontist?
At our practice, the majority of our patients are referred to our specialist orthodontists by their general dental practitioners. Please contact us on 020 7236 3600 for a consultation directly for your child or teenager if you have any concerns that your child is developing orthodontic problems. Please remember that orthodontic treatment is not only limited to children and adolescents, and many of our patients are adults. It is never too late to have a beautiful smile!
