ProviderTraditional Orthodontic Treatment for Reliable Results
Braces are a time-tested, cost-effective, and durable way to straighten teeth and improve oral function. For all of these reasons, they make a great choice for kids.
Braces are also versatile, making them an ideal way to resolve a wide range of orthodontic conditions relating to both the teeth and the jaws.
Most kids who need orthodontic intervention to correct misaligned teeth or jaws will start treatment with braces between the ages of 11 and 13, when all their permanent teeth have grown in.
Younger children, between the ages of seven and 11 may be candidates for braces in a few very specific cases. We use braces on children with baby teeth only when necessary to create space for adult teeth to erupt in the proper positions, to correct crossbites, or to correct certain functional issues.
Orthodontic Assessments & Monitoring for Kids
Children should visit the orthodontist for the first time around the age of seven for an initial assessment. This visit gives us an opportunity to determine if orthodontic treatment could be beneficial right away or in the future.
If your child could benefit from immediate orthodontic treatment, we'll commence with a moderate treatment plan to address only the immediate issues. If care is not required right away, we will recommend regular assessments every six to 12 months to monitor your child's oral development as adult teeth emerge.
The Benefits of Braces for Kids
Our North Bay orthodontist only recommends braces for children under 12 when he feels it's in the best interests of the child's overall oral development. Traditional braces offer a number of benefits when treating young smiles:
Efficiency
Although some kids aren't super-excited about the idea of braces, they are able to treat a wide range of complex orthodontic issues quickly and more effectively than other treatment options. Allowing orthodontic issues to be addressed in the least possible amount of time.
No Treatment Disruptions
Braces are fixed to the teeth and cannot be removed. This means that your child's braces can't be lost or taken out and forgotten about, and their durability makes them difficult to damage – all potential advantages for kids!
Aesthetics
While traditional metal braces don't have the discreet appearance that Invisalign aligners have, they do offer customization options. Coloured elastics can be added and changed throughout treatment, meaning your child can choose fun colours based on their mood, the seasons, or even their favourite sports teams!
Braces Treatment at Paleczny Orthodontics
The brackets, wires, and elastic bands that make up traditional orthodontic braces work to put gentle pressure on teeth to gradually shift them into their corrected positions.
But the braces of today aren't the clunky, uncomfortable face-full-of-metal that you might be picturing from decades ago. Today's braces are more streamlined, more comfortable, and (dare we say?) cooler than ever before.