An orthodontist is a dentist with special training in straightening teeth.
What are orthodontic problems?
An orthodontic problem is called a "malocclusion."
Malocclusion means "bad bite."
Problems include crowded teeth, extra teeth, missing teeth, crooked teeth,
or teeth that have grown in the wrong places.
Another problem is an overbite (upper jaw hangs over the lower jaw) or underbite
(lower jaw is larger than the upper jaw).
These problems can make it hard for children to chew correctly. They may
also make it harder to keep the teeth clean.
Some people decide that crooked teeth are a problem because they don't like
the way they look.
Most problems are inherited, meaning that they pass from parent to child.
Problems can also be caused by accidents or losing baby teeth too early.
The childhood habit of sucking on a thumb could lead to problems.
How do I know if my child needs treatment?
Your child's dentist may recommend that he see an orthodontist.
The orthodontist may take x-rays, photographs, or make a mold of your child's
teeth.
If needed, the orthodontist will create a treatment plan for your child.
Treatment will depend on your child's problem and how it can be corrected.
What age is best for treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is most often done to permanent teeth.
Teeth are straightened more quickly if children have treatment before they
reach adulthood.
Orthodontic treatment is usually done during adolescence.
How do braces work?
Brackets are usually put on the front side of the teeth. Sometimes, they
can be put on the back side.
Braces have two main parts; brackets and wires.
The brackets can be metal, clear, or tooth-colored. Wires are attached to
the brackets.
Braces put pressure on the teeth. The wires gently push, pull, or turn the
teeth into the right places.
Sometimes, rubber bands are used to pull the teeth, too.
Braces are adjusted every so often to continue moving the teeth into the
right places.
Sometimes, children will also have to wear head or neck gear. These are
other types of wire that attach to the teeth. Your child may only have to
wear it at night.
How do I take care of them?
Ask your orthodontist for tips.
Food gets stuck in braces easily so it's a good idea to brush after eating.
Avoid eating popcorn, sticky candy, lots of sugary soda, and chewing gum.
The orthodontist may give your child a special tool for flossing.
The orthodontist will probably give you some wax. If a bracket is rubbing
the inside of your child's mouth, he can put wax on it so it doesn't rub.
Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen
if his teeth are aching from a recent adjustment.
How long will my child need braces?
How long your child wears braces depends on the problem and how easily it
is corrected.
It also depends on how well your child follows instructions to wear rubber
bands, headgear, etc.
Children usually have to wear them for about two years. It may take less
time or more time.
What about retainers?
After the braces are off, your child may have to wear a retainer.
Sometimes, children will not need braces at all. A retainer may be all that
is needed to correct a problem.
A retainer is a plastic or metal piece that fits around your child's teeth
to hold them in place.
The orthodontist will give your child instructions. For example, he may
need to wear the retainer every day for 6 months, or only at night.
When should I call about problems?
Call the orthodontist if a wire is loose or poking the inside of the mouth.
Call if your child has constant pain after an adjustment that does not get
better with time.
Call if you have questions or concerns about your child's treatment or condition.
Quick Answers
An orthodontist is a dentist with special training in straightening teeth.
Orthodontic problems include crowded teeth, extra teeth, missing teeth,
crooked teeth, or teeth that have grown in the wrong places.
Your child's dentist may recommend that he see an orthodontist.
Children usually get orthodontic treatment in the adolescent years.
Braces put pressure on the teeth. The wires gently push, pull, or turn the
teeth into the right places. Sometimes, rubber bands are also used.
Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen
if his teeth are aching from a recent adjustment.
How long your child wears braces depends on the problem and how easily it
is corrected. Typically, it's about 2 years.
After the braces are off, your child may have to wear a retainer to hold
the teeth in place.
Call the orthodontist if a wire is loose or poking the inside of the mouth.
References
ADA. Braces and Orthodontics. 2002 April 03 (cited 202 April 22). URL: http://www.ada.org/public/faq/braces.html
Goodman D. All About Orthodontia. KidsHealth: TeensHealth. 2001 August (cited
2002 April 22). URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=207&cat_id=20120&article_set=20376
Goss L and Lyons G. Learning About Braces Basics. KidsHealth. 2001 September
(cited 2002 April 22). URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=307&cat_id=20183&article_set=20194
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