At Kinder Pediatric Dental, we understand that every child is unique, and so is their smile. That’s why we offer a variety of orthodontic treatments to meet the individual needs of each of our patients. Orthodontic treatment is essential to ensure that your child’s teeth are properly aligned, which not only leads to a healthier mouth but also a more confident smile. To learn more about orthodontics and the treatment we offer, please read on.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the correction of teeth or jaws that are improperly positioned. This can include problems such as overcrowding, gaps, and misalignment. Orthodontic treatment can improve the function of your child’s teeth as well as their appearance.
Why is Orthodontic Treatment Important?
Orthodontic treatment is important for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth, can lead to a number of problems—including difficulty chewing or speaking, as well as an increased risk of tooth decay or gum disease. Along with these difficulties may come a decline in their confidence as they are at an increased risk of developing speech impediments or generally feeling insecure about their smile. From here, it is quite easy to see how the lack of proper smile alignment may find its way into affecting emotional well-being.
What Are the Different Types of Orthodontic Treatment?
The type of orthodontic treatment that your child will need will be determined by our team based on the severity and nature of their case. At our Bakersfield, CA office, we are proud to offer traditional braces as a rather versatile solution to several orthodontic issues.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment. They consist of metal brackets that are cemented to the front of each tooth, and a wire that is threaded through these brackets. The wire is then tightened to apply pressure to the teeth and move them into their proper position. Along with these wires, treatment with braces may also involve the placement of rubber bands, which exert additional pressure to shift the bite.
While braces have come a long way since they were first introduced, many children and teens still feel self-conscious about wearing them. At Kinder Pediatric Dental, we offer options to help make braces more fun and less conspicuous. We offer a variety of colors and patterns for the bracket bands, so children can express their personality through their smiles. Or if they want the braces to appear more blendable with their teeth, they can choose white bands.
When to Begin Orthodontic Treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children be seen by an orthodontist no later than age seven. Early intervention is important because it allows the orthodontist to diagnose and correct problems while the child’s jaw and teeth are still growing. This can prevent more serious problems from developing later on.
We recommend beginning orthodontic treatment at an early age not only to correct any existing problems but also to prevent future problems from developing. If you have any concerns about your child’s teeth or bite, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us so that we can assess their individual needs and develop a treatment plan that is right for them.
