3 Questions to Ask Your Pediatric Dentist About Children’s Braces

Childrens Braces Tustin, CA

A pediatric dentist works with your child to treat their condition and teach them the importance of oral health from a young age. Misalignment and malocclusions are quite common in children and adolescents as their teeth develop. There are several reasons a child might require braces. Treating these conditions early on can help guide their teeth into proper alignment and enhance their appearance and oral function. Read on to learn more about children’s braces.

Questions to prepare a child for braces

Many children have crooked teeth or jaw and bite misalignment issues as their teeth grow and develop. Common oral health issues in children include crooked, overlapping, or overcrowded teeth or a "bad bite" known as a malocclusion. Malocclusions refer to overbites when the upper jaw protrudes over the lower jaw, while underbites refer to when the lower jaw protrudes over the upper jaw. Although children can benefit from being treated by a pediatric dentist for braces at any age, we recommend treatment once their permanent teeth start coming in (around age seven). This allows us to see their teeth and jaw placement and their development.

It is important for parents to discuss the treatment and its benefits with their children before seeking treatment. Prepare questions to ask the dentist and allow them to come up with their own. Common questions we receive include: What will my smile look like? What lifestyle changes will I need to make? Can I play sports? How long will my treatment last? How many dental visits will I need? A pediatric dentist can answer all of these questions and more during the initial consultation.

Questions about candidacy

During the first visit, we will conduct a physical examination and take necessary X-rays to examine the teeth, mouth, and jaw thoroughly. Some of the conditions we treat include:

  • Being prone to biting the tongue, the roof of the mouth, or the inside of the cheek accidentally
  • Breathing through the mouth
  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Jaws that click or make other sounds
  • Teeth that do not come together even when the mouth is shut completely
  • Thumb-sucking or using a pacifier past the age of two

We will also ask the child questions about any symptoms they may be experiencing, whether they have difficulty chewing or swallowing, and if they ever hear a clicking or popping sound. These preliminary questions give us a better understanding of their condition and severity. We encourage patients to ask whether their case qualifies for orthodontic treatment and ask about alternative options if needed.

Questions about lifestyle changes

It is a good idea to discuss patients’ lifestyle and behavioral choices prior to treatment to understand the changes they may need to implement. Some questions we hear a lot include changes to diet, oral hygiene, and sports/physical activity. Patients can usually continue playing sports and other activities with their braces on. We will likely recommend or order that patients wear a mouthguard to protect their mouth and teeth while playing.

Book a consultation today

Braces treatment can help children and adolescents protect their teeth, improve their oral health, and enhance their appearance. Undergoing treatment at a young age saves them from dealing with extensive treatment during adulthood.

To learn more about our services, visit https://fitsmilesortho.com or call our Tustin office at (714) 782-0217 to schedule an appointment.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Tustin, CA.

Related Posts

4 Benefits Of Invisalign Clear Aligners

Are you considering Invisalign® treatment? Read on to learn about some of the benefits of opting for this teeth-straightening treatment. According to the American Dental Association, teeth straightening is more than just for cosmetic purposes; it may help your overall oral health. While conventional metal braces are still widely used, modern technology has enabled the…

How Clear Aligners Can Improve Your Smile

As a teeth straightening method, clear aligners are growing in popularity among teens and adults looking to improve their smiles. This method uses a series of custom-fit clear trays to move teeth into improved alignment. Clear aligners offer an attractive alternative to braces for those looking for a more flexible and discreet way to a…

How Invisalign Is Used To Straighten Teeth

Invisalign® aligners can effectively correct many oral alignment issues like crooked, misaligned, or protruding teeth. Invisalign is a popular alternative to metal braces and uses plastic aligner trays to straighten teeth. These clear plastic trays (aligners) are custom-made by an orthodontist to fit tightly over the teeth and gradually shift crooked teeth into the correct…

How Many Hours Are Invisalign Aligners Typically Worn In A Day?

Patients undergoing Invisalign® treatment often want to know how long they will need to wear their aligners. Read on to learn how long the aligners need to be worn. Several variables determine the length of Invisalign treatment, and one of the most important is how long you wear your aligners each day.Invisalign treatment can take…