When most people think of children’s dental orthodontics, they think of metal braces. While metal braces are a great option, did you know that there are actually several other types of orthodontics in Las Vegas that can straighten your child’s smile?
In addition to traditional braces, ceramic or lingual braces or Invisalign can provide your child with plenty of options for correcting any orthodontic issues.
What Does Pediatric Orthodontics Treat?
Children’s dental orthodontics can be used to treat a variety of problems with the teeth and jaw, including:
- Overbites – Where the upper front teeth are too far forward and stick out over the lower teeth
- Underbites – Where the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth are too far back
- Crossbites – Where the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting
- Open bites – Where there is a space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together
- Misplaced midlines – Where the center of the upper-front teeth does not line up with the center of the lower front teeth
- Spacing issues – Including gaps or spaces between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that don’t fill the mouth
- Crowding issues – That occur when there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate
Your child’s orthodontist will use a visual analysis of your child’s teeth, along with x-rays, to determine if there are any problems that need correcting. If your child does require some type of children’s dental orthodontics, there are several options to consider.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces involve bonding metal brackets to the teeth. An archwire runs from molar to molar through the brackets, and the wire is held in place with small rubber bands.
The average length of treatment for traditional braces varies depending on the severity of your child’s orthodontic issues. On average, treatment may last from 1 to 3 years.
During pediatric orthodontic treatment with traditional braces, your child will have to visit their orthodontist regularly. Your child will generally visit once a month to have their braces tightened. The orthodontist will adjust the wire and rubber bands of your child’s braces, creating more tension to shift the teeth into the proper position. Your child may experience some soreness and discomfort after getting their braces adjusted.
Traditional braces tend to be the most affordable option in children’s dental orthodontics.
Ceramic Braces
Similar to traditional braces, ceramic braces are a type of pediatrics orthodontics treatment where brackets are glued to the teeth. Unlike traditional braces, however, ceramic braces are made of clear materials rather than metal, which makes them less apparent. To connect the brackets, an archwire runs through them and is held in place with rubber bands.
With ceramic braces, your child will require regular visits to their orthodontist to have their braces adjusted, similar to traditional braces. During your child’s monthly appointment, their orthodontist will adjust the wires and bands to create more tension to shift your child’s teeth into the correct places. Treatment with ceramic braces is similar to traditional braces, lasting from 1 to 3 years.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces tend to be less well known than other types of children’s dental orthodontics. These braces are placed behind the teeth.
To be fitted for lingual braces, the orthodontist will take an impression of your child’s teeth that will be sent to a dental laboratory. It takes about 6 weeks for the lab to create the customized brackets. The orthodontist then cements these brackets onto the back of your child’s teeth.
There are several brands of lingual braces on the market. Talking to your child’s orthodontist is the best way to figure out which one will suit your child’s unique needs.
Invisalign
If the other types of children’s dental orthodontics in Las Vegas make your child balk, you should consider Invisalign treatment. Unlike the other pediatric orthodontics options, Invisalign is not attached to your child’s teeth, allowing for more flexibility.
Invisalign is a series of clear, removable aligners. The aligners are custom-made to fit your child’s teeth, and they apply pressure to gradually move and even rotate the teeth. Your child can take out their aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
To be fitted for Invisalign, your child’s orthodontist will use a scanner to create 3D images of your child’s teeth. They will map out a treatment plan, so you can immediately tell how long your child will use Invisalign.
Based on the 3D images, a custom set of aligners will be made for your child. Like with other types of children’s dental orthodontic treatments, Invisalign requires regular appointments. Your child will get a new set of aligners every week or every 2 weeks, though the orthodontist may only require check-ups every 6–8 weeks.
If you’re considering Invisalign for your child, be sure they are old enough to take on the responsibility of keeping track of their aligners. Misplaced or broken aligners can prolong treatment time and tack on additional costs.
Due to the specialized nature of Invisalign, they can be more costly than the other orthodontic options.
Schedule a Consultation
Deciding on what type of orthodontic treatment in Las Vegas is best for your child is a personal decision. It’s one that should be made only after you and your child have discussed all the options with their orthodontist. For any type of alignment issue, there is a children’s dental orthodontic solution that will help their smile be healthy and beautiful.
To make your child’s orthodontist appointment, contact Children’s Dentistry today.