What Kinds of Braces Are Available for Kids?
Oftentimes when we think of orthodontic care, we think of kids of a certain age group. It's true that most of the orthodontic patients in America are kids. In fact, about 75% of orthodontic patients are children, according to the insurance experts at Humana! If your child has been evaluated by a Board-Certified Orthodontist and is ready to begin treatment with braces, it’s helpful to know what kinds of treatment are available. Let's look at some options for braces for kids that an orthodontic professional will provide.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces can be used to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. They consist of brackets and bands that attach to the teeth, which are then connected to one another with an arch wire. The arch wire sits inside of a slot in the brackets and bands and is held in place by a ligature tie (which are the cool colors that you see kids wearing). Once the arch wire is secured inside the brackets and bands, it is able to do its job of moving the teeth into a better position. In cases where bite correction is needed, elastics can easily be attached to these types of braces. This traditional method is very effective at straightening teeth, meaning the average treatment time with traditional braces is about 2 years, depending on patient cooperation and the severity of the case.
Invisalign
Invisalign, or invisible aligners, are another option that some orthodontists recommend for kids. Invisible aligners are more often utilized for less severe orthodontic cases, which don’t require major tooth alignment and bite correction. Invisalign consists of removable clear aligners and attachments, which are small clear buttons that attach to the teeth, similar to the way traditional brackets do. The aligners hug the attachments tight, which allows the aligner to move the teeth as intended. Invisalign can also be worn with elastics when needed. When worn as instructed, Invisalign can be as effective as traditional braces.
The appeal of Invisalign is that the aligners are not as noticeable in the mouth as traditional braces, which many kids consider to be a major plus. If you have a child who needs mild to moderate orthodontic care, invisible aligners could be a good option!
If you would like to learn more about orthodontic braces for kids, our experienced and professional team here at Cuozzo Orthodontics can answer all your questions. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your little one! We look forward to hearing from you soon.