Are you wondering whether or not your child needs braces? Do you want to get them a better, brighter smile that can help them in their social and professional lives? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about braces for kids.
It’s all about finding the right fit for their needs. If you find an orthodontist in Birmingham MI with multiple options, then you can set the entire process up for success.
See below for an in-depth guide to braces for kids, how to prepare them for it, the benefits of it, and what you should look for in an orthodontist.
What Should I Look for in an Orthodontist for My Child?
First things first, if you want to set your child up for success with their future braces, then you need to send them to the right orthodontist. But how do you know when you’ve found the right one?
First, you can look into online reviews to see what current and previous customers have to say. Did the customers’ kids enjoy their experience? How well does the orthodontist communicate with children?
Second, look into their treatment options. If an orthodontist has other treatments available, then they’ll treat your child with the best fit for their needs. Here at TDR Ortho, we offer many orthodontic treatments such as metal and ceramic braces, as well as Invisalign for teens.
Next, you’ll want to see how well your child meshes with the orthodontist. Do they communicate well together? Can you see the two of them working together long-term? You can gauge this by scheduling an initial consultation for them to meet the orthodontist and talk about braces.
We want to help you find the best treatment for your child and your budget. We’ll talk through all your options and figure out the best fit for your situation.
How Can I Prepare My Child for Braces?
All any parent wants is for their child to have as much self-confidence as possible. Nothing will do that more than a straight smile; it’s a useful tool that has been proven to help people in their future careers.
For that reason, braces are vitally important to get for your child. But how can you set them up for success? How can you help the entire process to go smoother? What adjustments do you need to make to help them along?
First, you’ll want to help set the expectation. Take the time for you and your orthodontist to sit down and explain the process to them. How will they be installed? How often will they come in for checkups and appointments? What level of pain should they expect at first? How long does the orthodontist estimate they’ll need the braces?
Next, make sure you stock up on things that can help your young one thrive. This includes purchasing plenty of:
- Orthodontist wax
- Soft foods
- Mouthguard (especially if they play sports)
- Cordless water flosser
- To-go braces care kit (for when they’re at school)
Knowing and having all of this in advance can help show your child that you’ve got their back along the way!
What Are the Benefits of Braces for Kids?
Getting braces for kids can help your child enjoy a straighter smile, but what are the benefits of it beyond that? Let’s take a look below to find out!
A Longer Lifetime of Smiles
There’s nothing wrong with getting braces as an adult; in fact, many of our patients get braces or Invisalign into their 40s and 50s. It’s never too late!
That said, if you could give your child a brighter, straighter smile earlier on in life, wouldn’t you want to? That’s the benefit of getting braces for kids. Some kids can get braces as young as 10 years old or younger, depending on the situation.
Having a straight smile can give your children more confidence in school, allowing them to feel more comfortable in their skin and build their social habits as well.
Improves Their Digestion
Contrary to popular belief, straight teeth don’t just offer aesthetic benefits; the straighter your teeth are, the more functional they become.
Your child’s teeth are essential for chewing food, which directly affects their digestive system. When they’re able to digest their food easier, their body absorbs more of the nutrients from what they eat and keeps their body running like a well-oiled machine.
It isn’t uncommon for children and adults with crooked teeth to experience digestive issues, excessive gas, and many other uncomfortable setbacks.
Better Oral Health
If you have tremendous oral health, then you want the same for your child. If you’ve had a rocky history with oral health, then you’ll want to help your child avoid the same fate.
Straight teeth (from braces) can help improve your child’s oral health, as well as help them avoid things like gum disease and tooth decay during their lifetime. Every tooth will be used as it’s intended and make them easier to clean.
Of course, all of this rides on your child performing proper oral care, such as brushing their teeth twice a day, flossing, and avoiding excessive sweets.
Braces for Kids: Find the Best Orthodontist in Birmingham MI
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on getting braces for kids and why they’re so important for your child, be sure to schedule an initial appointment.
Take the time to read this article for more information on when you should see your local orthodontist in Michigan. To get started, please reach out to our closest location to you and we will be happy to assist you further.