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Why Children Need Braces

There are a number of reasons youngsters might need braces, one of which is a genetic predisposition to crooked teeth. If at least one parent had to wear braces, it is more likely their children will also be obliged to wear braces.

Dr. Victor Lee can help confirm your child’s need for braces or other orthodontic therapy.

Apart from an inherited need for braces, a child may also have overcrowded teeth, or they may overlap or be crooked. A child can also develop a bite problem from bad habits like thumb-sucking, losing baby teeth prematurely, or some form of accident or trauma.

The age at which you take your child to visit with Dr. Lee will depend on when you first identify the need for corrective work on their teeth. Most dentists recommend taking your child to an orthodontist for the first time around age 7.

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Types of Braces

Braces work by applying steady pressure to the teeth, which encourages them to move toward a more appropriate alignment in the mouth. The traditional way of accomplishing this has been to use metal braces, accompanied by brackets, rubber bands, and wires. The brackets attach to the teeth via rubber bands and wires.  The wires are gradually tightened to bring the teeth into their proper alignment.

Newer methods of orthodontics include clear braces or white ceramic braces, which are virtually undetectable in the mouth.  There are even clear aligners that are removable and suitable for some patients. 

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While your braces are working

After braces have been installed, your child will make periodic trips to see Dr. Lee to adjust his or her braces. To complete treatment a child may wear braces for up to two years, although the exact amount of time will depend on the condition being corrected. Once the braces are removed, your child will likely wear a retainer to prevent teeth from moving back out of position.