Posted on November 14, 2019
Unfortunately, not everyone is born with a perfect smile. In fact, very few people are. While one person’s teeth may look good enough, some people require external assistance to get that million-dollar smile.
Currently, one of the best ways to fix issues like overcrowded teeth or a misaligned bite is braces. While there are growing numbers of patients seeking braces for adults, orthodontists in Glendale still recommend treatment for the younger population as well. About 4 million people in the United States wear braces and 75% of them are younger than 18.
Early treatment enables you to spot issues such as crowding, deep bites, and crossbites and take care of them early. There are different kinds of kids’ braces in the market. Here are your options if you’re considering braces for kids in Glendale.
Chances are, you’ve seen these traditional braces before. Nothing screams classic children’s braces like metal braces. For decades, metal braces have given millions of children straighter smiles. They are made from two primary components, the metal bracket that’s applied on the teeth and the flexible metal wire that holds the brackets in place. Together, they apply pressure to the teeth and gradually push them into the required shape. They are the least expensive option — and unlike the metal braces of older years, they are now smaller in size and less conspicuous.
Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces except that instead of metal brackets, they use ceramic material held together by metal wire. These brackets can either be tooth or transparent colored. They blend in with the child’s smile naturally and are barely noticeable. These are the perfect braces for kids who are concerned with how the braces make them look. You could also spring for tooth-colored wires for an even more natural look.
There is a catch, however. Ceramic brackets are larger and more fragile than metal ones, so kids have to put more effort into caring for them. They are most often used on the upper teeth as it is easier for the child to maintain proper care when they are on top.
These are pretty much the same as the classic metal braces. The only difference is that the brackets and metal wires are applied to the inside of the teeth. Although they are less conspicuous, they are much less common than you’d think. They are challenging to maintain, and your child will have a tough time keeping them clean. They tend to be pricier than other types of braces and can be quite uncomfortable at the beginning of treatment. They are also difficult to adjust and take much longer to align teeth than other options.
Braces have, over the years, proven quite effective in straightening teeth and fixing orthodontic issues in children. There are a variety of options of braces for kids, such as metal, ceramic and lingual braces. Each has its pros and cons.
Make sure to visit the best orthodontist in Glendale before taking any action. They will guide you through the entire process and help you to their fullest extent. Our team at Orthodontics LA would love to help both you and your child with your journey to your dream small. Call our Glendale or Encino office today to get started with Drs. Artin and Mel!
