Children may need braces for several reasons such as:

• Overbites, underbites
• Crowded teeth
• Disproportionate jaws
• Jaws that protrude or recede
• Difficulty in chewing food

What are Fixed Dental Braces?

Fixed dental braces need to be worn 24/7 and only your orthodontist can make changes to it or remove it completely. The conventional type of fixed braces include an arced wire and metal ties to keep it in place. You also have the option to choose ceramic braces which are less visible and blend with the natural color of your teeth. They perform the same function as metal braces.

What are Clear Braces?

Clear Braces are functionally similar to traditional braces. The main difference is that clear braces use tooth colored brackets and tooth colored wires instead of the traditional metal wires. This makes them less visible. With clear braces the treatment is barely visible.

Clear Braces are especially recommended for teenagers. They are not recommended for children with baby teeth.

Invisible aligners

Invisible aligners or Clear Aligners are a kind of semi transparent tray made of a special transparent material. These invisible aligners are used to straighten crooked teeth, just like orthodontic braces. Using invisible aligners completely eliminates the use of uncomfortable brackets and metal wires inside the mouth, like in the case of metal braces.

Invisible aligners gently move the teeth into the required position by applying a subtle but constant force. Each invisible aligner is unique and is made to order based on the patient's requirement. Some of the brands we offer include True Smile, Clear Correct and Invisalign.

Orthodontic Treatment for Children

Orthodontic treatment will require you to visit your orthodontist multiple times for follow ups. Dental braces will take some time getting used to and your child may experience some discomfort, especially in the first week. Your dentist may prescribe an over the counter analgesic to control the pain.

The braces will remain in your child's mouth for the prescribed amount of time. Once they have completed wearing braces for the required time and your orthodontist is satisfied with the result, he will remove the braces and give your child a retainer to wear.

The retainer will have to be worn for a prescribed amount of time. The retainer helps to keep the teeth from moving back to their original crooked position.

What are the benefits of braces for children?

Correcting your child's teeth early on has its advantages. By getting braces early they can avoid more complex treatments when they grow up. A more aligned straight set of teeth are easier to clean and maintain, thus reducing the build up of plaque. There is also the added advantage of giving your child a confidence boost with a beautiful set of teeth.