Children's Orthodontics Surrey - Children's Braces - Invisalign Teen

If you’re a parent and are considering children’s orthodontics for your child, you’re likely wondering what options are available and what the process entails. This guide will provide you with valuable information about the children’s braces available in our Surrey, Berkshire, and London dental practices, and help you make informed decisions about your child’s oral health.

When should I consider children’s orthodontics?

Braces can boost your child’s confidence about their appearance and improve their oral health as the teeth are easier to clean after orthodontics. It’s best to sort out any issues with their teeth as early as possible because it is far easier to realign teeth at a younger age. Getting teeth straightening completed earlier in life also means one less thing for youngsters to worry about as they progress to adulthood. The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age seven.

Early intervention can identify potential problems and allow for timely treatment. Some common signs that your child may benefit from children’s orthodontics include:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Protruding teeth
• Mouth breathing
• Difficulty speaking
• Crossbite
• Spacing issues between teeth
• Jaws that shift, make sounds or seem misaligned

Types of children’s braces

Several orthodontic treatment options are available for children at our dental practices in Surrey, Berkshire, and London, each treatment with its own advantages:

• Fixed Braces: Traditional metal braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment. They consist of brackets attached to each tooth, connected by wires and elastics. Metal braces are effective at correcting a wide range of bite problems.
• Ceramic Braces: Similar to metal braces, ceramic braces use tooth-coloured brackets that are less noticeable than metal ones. They are a popular choice for older children and teenagers who are self-conscious about their appearance.
• Clear Aligners: Clear aligners, such as Invisalign Teen, are a discreet alternative to traditional braces. They are made of clear plastic and are removable, making them easier to clean and maintain oral hygiene.
• Removable Braces: These devices can be taken out for cleaning and eating. They use gentle pressure to guide teeth into place. While not suitable for every case, they are often used for simpler orthodontic issues.

Invisalign Teen: A discreet option for teenagers

It’s normal for teens to want a smile they feel confident about, especially with all the photos and videos we share these days. That’s where Invisalign Teen comes in! Imagine teeth straightening without anyone even noticing.

Invisalign Teen is a popular choice for teenagers who want that discreet orthodontic treatment option. They are removable, allowing teenagers to eat and drink what they want without restrictions. Plus, it fits right into their lives. They can keep playing sports, and musical instruments as they can be removed easily.

The Benefits of children’s orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment offers numerous benefits for children, including:

• Improved bite: Correcting bite problems can improve chewing function and speech.
• Enhanced facial appearance: Orthodontic treatment can improve the alignment of teeth and jaws, leading to a more attractive smile.
• Improved self-esteem: A straight smile can boost a child’s self-esteem and confidence.
• Improved Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Reduced Risk of Dental Injuries: Protruding or misaligned teeth are more vulnerable to trauma. Orthodontic treatment can minimise this risk.
• Reduced risk of oral health problems: Correcting bite problems can reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and jaw joint disorders.

Top tips for maintaining oral hygiene with braces

Keeping your smile healthy while wearing braces or aligners is key to getting the best results from your orthodontic treatment! Here’s a simple guide to keeping your teeth sparkling clean:

If you have fixed braces (The ones glued to your teeth):

• Think “after every meal”: Brush your teeth thoroughly after eating anything.
• Get into the nooks and crannies: Use a special “proxy brush” (it looks like a tiny Christmas tree!) to clean around those brackets and wires.
• Flossing made easy: Use floss threaders or special orthodontic floss to sneak that floss between your teeth and under the wires.

If you have ceramic braces (The clearer brackets):

• Brush after every meal: Just like with metal braces, it’s essential to brush thoroughly after eating to remove any food particles that can get trapped around the brackets and wires. This helps prevent staining and keeps your teeth healthy.
• Pay extra attention to the bracket edges: Ceramic brackets, while less visible, can still trap food. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush along the edges of each bracket to ensure they’re clean.
• Use an interdental brush: These small, pointed brushes are perfect for cleaning between the brackets and wires, especially around the areas where food tends to get stuck.
• Flossing with floss threaders or orthodontic floss: Flossing can be a bit tricky with braces, but it’s crucial for removing plaque and food debris from between your teeth. Floss threaders or orthodontic floss make it easier to navigate around the wires and brackets.
• Be mindful of staining foods and drinks: While ceramic brackets are stain-resistant, the clear elastics used to hold the wires in place can stain. Limit your intake of dark-coloured liquids like coffee, tea, and red wine, as well as foods that are known to stain, such as berries and turmeric.

If you’re using clear aligners (like Invisalign Teen):

• Aligners out before food: Always take your aligners out before you eat or drink anything other than water.
• Brush before you pop them back in: Make sure your teeth are clean before you put your aligners back in.
• Keep your aligners fresh: Rinse your aligners with cool water or a gentle cleanser to keep them clean and clear.

If you have removable braces or appliances:

• Out before you eat: Take your appliance out before every meal or snack.
• Clean your appliance: Use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your removable appliance.
• Clean your teeth too: Brush and floss your natural teeth well before putting your appliance back in.

Retainers to maintain your child’s beautiful smile

After orthodontic treatment is complete it’s crucial to wear a retainer to maintain the results. Retainers help to stabilise the teeth in their new positions and prevent them from shifting back to their original positions.

Choosing the right orthodontist

Selecting the right orthodontist for your child is an important decision. Look for an orthodontist who is experienced in treating children and uses the latest technology and techniques. Schedule a consultation to discuss your child’s needs and explore the available treatment options.

By seeking children’s orthodontics with us, you can help your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. Book a consultation with our orthodontists to determine the best treatment plan for your child’s individual needs.