How Braces for Children Improve Their Oral Hygiene

Braces for children
Kids Dental at Marsh House
24, May 2022

Braces for children can dramatically improve their overall health. Read on to find out why.

When you think of braces, you typically think of a teenager with train tracks. But it’s not just teenagers who fall under the braces for children category. In fact, children of all ages can have braces, particularly if they have a misaligned bite.

Different types of braces for children

When it comes to children’s braces, there’s certainly no one size fits all approach. What works for your child might not be the right solution for another, which is why it’s so important to speak to an orthodontist or children’s dentist. Some of the most common braces for children include:

Removable braces

These are typically used for children around the ages of 8 to 10. They are simple removable braces with wires that apply minimal correction. If your child has mild orthodontic problems, removable braces might be best for them.

Invisalign First

A type of removal brace, Invisalign First is designed to fix a wide range of tooth straightening issues, like overcrowding, spacing, and narrow dental arches.

Traditional fixed metal braces

Traditional metal braces are one of the most common and proven methods of orthodontic treatment. They straighten the teeth through a system of metal brackets, archwires, and elastic bands, and are most often used in children aged 11 and up. The brackets are stuck to the teeth using special dental glue, and the archwires are used to create a system of pressure that gently pushes the teeth into the correct position.

Ceramic braces

For slightly older children who may be self-conscious, ceramic braces are a great option. Ceramic braces are much less visible and can look more natural than their metal counterpart because they blend into the teeth more. What’s more, the orthodontist can use white wires to further enhance their appearance.

The benefits of braces for children

With children growing up so fast and perhaps having a range of health challenges, it can be easy to not realise the importance of them having great oral health. But just like us adults, the state of their teeth and overall oral health can have a huge impact on them overall. Just some of the benefits of braces for children include:

Straighter teeth are easier to clean

It’s no secret that it can be a challenge to get children to brush their teeth properly. And if they have orthodontic problems like overcrowding, tooth brushing can become even more difficult. Having straighter teeth allows you to clean their teeth more effectively, and get in between any gaps with ease.

Non-misaligned teeth reduce the risk of bad breath

If your child has crooked teeth, food and debris can build up in hard-to-reach areas, increasing the risk of bad breath. However, when the teeth are straight and therefore cleaned better, the risk dramatically reduces.

Braces for children can improve your child’s bite

Misaligned teeth can cause your child to accidentally bite their cheek or tongue. Braces for children can help alleviate this discomfort and therefore create a healthier smile overall.

Straighter teeth can boost self-esteem

If your child is self-conscious about their smile, it can easily affect their day-to-day relationships and confidence. If they have professional orthodontic treatment as soon as issues start to appear, it can be a welcome confidence booster, helping your child go into adulthood healthily and happily.

Children’s dentist London

If you’re searching for a children’s dentist London, you’re in the right place. The team here at Kids Dental not only has a whole team of children’s dentists, but we also have expert orthodontists. To book your child’s dental or orthodontics appointment, please call 020 8646 6300.