BRACKET TEETH BRACES FOR KIDS DEMO
5 Things To Know About Bracket Teeth Braces For Children At Ivanov Orthodontics
Table Of Contents:
- Braces for Children
- Does Your Child Need Bracket Braces for Kids?
- Who Are The Children Who Would Require Braces for Kids More Than Others?
- The Process of Getting Teen Braces and Braces Colors?
- Common Symptoms About Whether Your Child Need Orthodontic Braces for Kids
- IVANOV Orthodontics for Your Braces Near Me Specialist
BRACES FOR CHILDREN
Perhaps you just visited your dentist and you heard the words, “It’s time to see an orthodontist”, or you looked over at your growing child and he or she is no longer able to close their mouth properly. Visiting an orthodontist does not have to be a scary experience, nor does it have to mean that it will be an expensive time in your family’s life. Let’s take a little time to understand what it means for your child to have braces and we’ll break down the benefits of orthodontia. We’ll also talk a little bit about how to make braces affordable for your child.
Does Your Child Need Bracket Braces for Kids?
We all know that a smile is contagious. I’m sure we can all recall instances when we smiled at someone and that person smiled back at us and we felt that good energy transfer. Some of the benefits of an attractive smile are:
- Confidence and feeling good
Without a doubt, confidence is recognized to be an important factor for success these days. Smart parents like you recognize when their child is being bullied in school or teased about their unattractive smile (kids are kids and we all have been there). They notice when their child is not smiling in photos or is hiding their smile with a hand. The truth is that bullying is increasing and even transferring to social media platforms.
For all parents, their children are beautiful but the fact is that some kids do need help at early ages so that they can grow to their fullest potential. Most proactive parents realize the value of their child’s growth years and the benefit of confidence before any bullying or teasing occurs because of crooked/uneven teeth.
Studies have shown that smiling makes our body release natural neurotransmitters that make our body relax and feel good; some of those neurotransmitters are dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. They influence the natural brain activity and help in removing stress and anxiety without any non-natural side effects. A really good laugh and a smile can have the same effect as working out, running, and swimming. Studies have shown that people who smile are perceived as more confident, extroverted, and generous, which are characteristics of successful people we see on TV.
Smiling also makes people so much more comfortable in an awkward situation and a nice smile can help us shake off any uncertainty and make the body feel more comfortable. A confident smile helps us to be recognized as better leaders. Most likely you have noticed by now that celebrities and famous people on TV smile and they smile often and they are successful and part of their success is that inherited radiant smile.
- Health
This one is big. People nowadays live longer and are expected to live even longer so we need to keep our teeth for a long time and do everything possible to maintain them. We don’t want to be going to bed and waking up with our teeth next to us in a glass of water. The sooner we start taking care of our teeth, the longer we will have them so that we can eat, chew, and enjoy the foods that we like. Crooked teeth, spaced teeth, and teeth that don’t bite properly (such as those who have a crossbite or teeth that erupt in the wrong direction, etc.) create pockets that are harder to clean, floss, and maintain properly.
In those pockets, dental plaque tends to stick like in a spider web. Imagine food and bacteria getting entangled to your tooth like a fly. We all are familiar with terms such as cavities, gum disease, and bone disease caused by bacteria in the retained plaque. Making the teeth straight will allow for easier teeth cleaning and removing of the sticky plaque.
The same goes with spacing between teeth. A common misconception is that if I have a space then I don’t have to brush and floss my teeth in between there. However, there is still plaque accumulation on the side of the teeth next to the spacing so those areas are harder to clean. Teeth that do not bite properly also present difficulty in brushing and flossing efficiently. By straightening your teeth, you not only get straighter teeth but also make it easier to maintain your teeth for a longer period of time. The bottom line is that straighter teeth are healthier teeth.
And, when teeth are straight and properly aligned, they wear correctly. Teeth that do not meet properly are ones that will wear prematurely and lead to enamel loss. That enamel is what protects your teeth so losing it will lead to more cavities, and possibly even tooth loss. It is far easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy than it is to have to get implants or dentures later in life.
- Meaningful social relationships
People with nice smiles appear more approachable. A smile is an inviting facial expression and studies have shown that people who smile are more frequently engaged socially and other people are willing to interact and talk with them. Studies also have shown that people who smile are viewed as more trustworthy. A smile increases a willingness to trust a person by about 10%.
Of course, one of the best ways to cover a social mishap is by a nice, genuine smile regardless if it’s at work, at school, or among new friends. Another study shows that people who have broken the rules are shown more leniency if they smile afterwards. A smile is a very important social asset and it is contagious. Why don’t you try smiling at strangers on the way to work? You’ll see that most of them will smile back at you.
- More attractive looks
Studies show that a nice smile makes us more attractive. A smile suggests that a person is approachable, empathetic, and easy-going. In a recent study where the subjects previously had crooked teeth, uneven smiles, or discolored teeth, results showed that after receiving a new smile people acquired a wide range of benefits. Their attractiveness increased by 22% compared to the pre-smile improvement assessment. People were also viewed as 13% more successful in their careers because of their smile. In addition, there were viewed as 11% more interesting and there was a perception of increased wealth by 17%. Moreover, they were viewed as 19% more popular in their interaction with the opposite sex. A different study showed that 96% of adults believe that a nice smile makes a person more attractive to the opposite sex.
- Security
It’s always been known that earning a higher income allows for a greater sense of security and allows you not to worry about finding money for rent or for your children’s education.
Economists have linked a nice smile to making more money. Unfortunately, we live in a society in which we are judged by our appearance. And sometimes we only have 30 seconds to a minute to make an impression and hopefully it is a good one. A study has shown that physically attractive people have an advantage over average looking people when it comes to being hired for a job and the salary that they earn. Another study reported that physically attractive people earn up to 12% more income than average-looking people.
Who Are The Children Who Would Require Braces for Kids More Than Others?
Let’s take a look at a few reasons children might need braces either sooner or with more need than others.
- Health
Naturally, we’re busy parents and adults, and often we don’t have the time to monitor our children’s oral hygiene 24/7. Crooked, gaped, and malpositioned teeth create pockets that are harder to clean properly through brushing and flossing. When we eat sugar and other foods and drinks, sticky bacterial plaque releases acids that attack teeth enamel and gums. This plaque keeps the bacterial acids next to your teeth enamel and gums where they can be destructive and cause cavities and gum disease.
A cavity is a hole in your tooth full of bacteria and when it gets bigger and deeper it can cause sensitivity and pain, leading ultimately to the death of your tooth and the need for a root canal or even a tooth extraction.
Gum disease starts with gingivitis where the gums are red and swollen and they also bleed easily. If gingivitis progresses further, periodontitis can develop and lead to gum tissue damage and breakdown. The bacterial sticky plaque then can destroy the remaining bone support leading ultimately, if left untreated, to a very loose tooth or, even worse, tooth loss.
Recent health studies have found links between periodontal disease and the following systemic health problems:
Heart disease – people with periodontal disease are more likely to have poor heart health. Studies on the link between periodontal disease and heart disease date back to at least 2009. Some of the contributing factors could be the bacteria and chronic inflammation escaping into the blood and being circulated throughout the body.
Diabetes – inflammation could be partially responsible for the link between periodontal disease and diabetes. The bottom line is if you have diabetes, you are at an even higher risk of developing periodontal disease. Preventive care and good control of your diabetes is highly recommended.
Dementia – a link has been also found between gum disease and dementia. People who had a high level of severe periodontal disease displayed the poorest results in memory tests and calculation tasks.
Rheumatoid arthritis – rheumatoid arthritis is a disease characterized by inflammation and painful joints. There’s a link between people with rheumatoid arthritis and having periodontal disease. Again, the inflammation could be the main factor to blame.
Premature birth – some studies find a link between premature birth and periodontal disease while others do not find such a link. There’s no consensus between the studies and they’re still ongoing. If you are planning to be pregnant in the future, this could be a factor to consider.
- Missed opportunities
The fact is a lot of people never do what they wanted to do in their lives. I hope that is not true for you but a lot of people seem to agree with it. We all know that first impressions are very important and it takes about 30 seconds to a minute to make that crucial first impression. We know instantly the people we like and we would like to do business with or people who don’t make such a good first impression and essentially we end up not liking them.
The same is true when you call a customer service department; it takes about 30 seconds to a minute to determine if your phone interaction will be pleasant or unpleasant. Opportunities take the form of doors and we can recall countless instances of open doors with open opportunities and countless closed doors with closed opportunities. What makes life interesting and enjoyable is to have more of the open doors with open opportunities and fewer of the closed doors and closed opportunities.
But what does this mean in terms of oral health?
Since first impression is a well-known and common concept, I will briefly breeze through some study findings. In a study with more than 10,000 participants, researchers found that 77% of the people reported that having bad teeth is viewed as a barrier to getting hired and it damages careers. In another study, 74% of the people reported that an unattractive smile can hurt career success.
Ultimately we want to have fewer closed doors for our children and ourselves, which is why it can be so important to get your child in for an initial free consultation with a reputable orthodontist who can assess your child’s needs and create a treatment plan that will be customized just for them. This can begin as early as age 7 for the initial assessment, and children as young as 10 can get braces to help the teeth fit correctly in the jaw while the bones are still growing.
The Process of Getting Teen Braces and Braces Colors?
At the initial consultation, the orthodontist will take some X-rays to get an idea of the facial structure and bone matrix of the jaws. He or she will also do a visual assessment and may even use some 3D scanning technology to help develop a plan for the braces. A mold may be taken if the office does not use a 3D scanner so that they have a dental reference that they can use to build the braces on.
After you have had your consultation with an orthodontist like Ivanov Orthodontics and the treatment plan has been developed, you will have another appointment to actually get the braces on. There are a few different types of braces to choose from. During your consultation you should ask questions and determine the right one for your child. You can also read reviews from other patients on the website for the orthodontist to see what their experiences were like.
There are the traditional metal ones that we always think of when we think of braces, but even so these can be made not just from stainless steel but also from space age metals like a nickel-titanium alloy that may even make your child’s treatment time faster. The new metal is used in the arch wires and it is actually heat adaptive and will take on a different shape to help move the teeth faster in the jaw and require fewer changes of the wires. Plus, modern metals mean smaller brackets. You may remember big metal brackets that rubbed on the inside of your mouth. Newer brackets are often rounder and smoother.
Your child can have some fun with the little elastics that are used to hold the wire in place on the brackets. These come in a variety of colors so they can pick out their favorite color, match their school’s colors, change with the seasons, or even create a rainbow.
Another type of braces your child might get is ceramic braces. These nearly invisible braces are still little brackets that are affixed to the front of the teeth like metal ones, and they are held in place by an arch wire, but they are nearly invisible otherwise. Because they have brackets and arch wires, your child can still have a fun time picking out bright colors of elastics.
One type of braces that is less common but is used some on children is lingual braces. These are brackets placed on the back of the teeth, or the lingual side. These are a lot more expensive than traditional braces are but for child actors or models, it means that they can still get their teeth corrected and do so completely invisibly. One of the most famous wearers of lingual braces is Melissa Gilbert. She had braces on during her time on Little House on the Prairie but no one knew because her lingual braces were invisible.
Then there is a type of braces used for teens and adults called clear aligners. The most common brand of these is by Invisalign. Since they have the ability to be removed, they are great for things like class photos or prom, but they do need to be worn 20-22 hours a day and so they are not recommended for children who are much more likely to forget to put them in or lose them.
Once you and your child have decided what type of braces to go with, there is another appointment to have them installed. This appointment is about 1.5 to 2 hours long. The orthodontist will glue the brackets to the teeth, either front or back, depending on what you choose. The arch wire is run through the brackets and then elastics are wrapped around to secure the arch wire.
Every few weeks you will go back in to see your orthodontist to have the arch wire replaced and new tension put on the teeth to continue to guide them to their new position. This is the part known as tightening the braces. If you have elected to go with Invisalign, you will be given a new set of aligners at each visit, which are usually 2-4 weeks apart.
So you might be wondering how long does this take? It generally takes between 18 and 24 months to complete a braces course of treatment but if your child’s case is not that significant, it might take less. If there is a lot of work to do, it might take longer.
At the end of the treatment time your child will have another lengthy appointment, about an hour or so, to have all of the brackets taken off. Your orthodontist will polish off the adhesive material and then your child will receive a set of retainers that he or she will need to wear faithfully to help keep the teeth in place. Your orthodontist will specify how long. It may also mean that your child will receive a semi-permanent retainer that is affixed to the back of the teeth to help hold them in place. This retainer may be worn for several years before being removed, or it may be changed out for a removable style.
Can’t wait to see what your child’s teeth will look like when the treatment is all done? Ask your orthodontist’s office to show you their before and after photos. They love to show you what is possible!
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Common Symptoms About Whether Your Child Need Orthodontic Braces for Kids
- Crooked, misplaced, two rows of teeth
- Severely gapped teeth
- Teeth that stick out forward (buck teeth)
- Early loss or non-symmetric loss of teeth
- Over retained baby teeth
- Teeth grinding
- Teeth clenching
- Teeth that bite into roof of the mouth
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Inability to close the mouth
- Mouth breathing habits
- Teeth that do not meet normally
- Teeth that do not meet at all
- Speech difficulty
- Chewing difficulty
- Jaws that are too forward, backward, or to the side
- Facial imbalance
Just having one of these factors does not mean automatically your child will have to have braces, but they should be seen by an orthodontist to determine if there will be a need for braces at some point soon.The sooner your child can be seen and a treatment plan developed, the sooner he or she can be on the way to having a healthy jaw alignment and healthy teeth.Some kids end up with two stages of braces – one when they are young to start the process, and again later in their teens to finish the alignment process so that they will have a great smile for life.
IVANOV Orthodontics for Your Braces Near Me Specialist
You might still have some questions, like do you have to get your braces from an orthodontist or can anyone take care of that? And how much does all of this cost? Or, perhaps more importantly, how is all of this going to be paid for? These are all valid questions. Let’s look at each one individually.
First, do you have to get your braces from an orthodontist? When it comes to Invisalign, since the company provides the equipment including the software and the scanner, there are dentist offices that will prescribe Invisalign, and that’s ok. But if you are going with braces, you should really stick with an orthodontic specialist like Ivanov Orthodontics. Orthodontists are dentists who have gone to school for an additional 2-3 years to learn all about how to correct malocclusions (bite misalignments) and make sure that your teeth are properly placed. And, if you want to go over the differences between braces and Invisalign for your particular case, the best place to do that is with an orthodontist who can do a full assessment.
Now let’s look at how much braces cost. There are two types of cost factors – time and money. Financially speaking, traditional metal braces are the cheapest at $3,500 – $7,000, depending on how long they are worn. Ceramic braces are slightly more expensive – about $500 more. Invisalign is similarly priced to metal or ceramic braces, unless you order extra retainer trays and then that will increase the price. The most expensive kind is the lingual braces, costing up to $10,000 dollars. They are harder to work with and they require custom brackets since the back of the teeth is not flat.
But there is another factor – your time. Finding an inexpensive orthodontist is desirable, to be certain, but if that orthodontist is nowhere near you, it doesn’t do you all that much good. Losing time from work and school is just that – lost time. Plus there is added fuel expense to get all the way across town, and the frustration of driving in heavy traffic. Fortunately, Ivanov Orthodontics is easy to get to and it has great hours – including hours on weekends! You shouldn’t have to fit braces into your life – rather you should be able to seamlessly integrate your appointments in at times that work for you. That’s why you should look for an ‘orthodontist near me’ when you book your appointment.
Now, how to pay for all of this? Places like Ivanov Orthodontics love to work with you to make braces affordable. They know how a small investment now has big payoffs down the road. They accept payment plans which allow you to divide up the cost of braces into easier to budget monthly payments. Plus, they accept many types of insurance plans including the major companies like Aetna, Cigna, and Humana. A lot of dental insurance plans cover teens and children for braces, and may even provide some coverage for adults. Finding an orthodontist that gives you payment options makes the whole process much less stressful.
Whichever way you choose to pay for treatment, by getting your child braces early in life, they will be set to have a great smile for a lifetime.
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