The process of installing braces in dentistry falls within the realm of orthodontics and its main aim is to correct a range of issues from misaligned teeth to speech impediments. A professional dentist such as Dr Vishal Tapadiya is referred to as an Orthodontist.
When are Orthodontic Procedures Required?
The American Association of Orthodontists suggests a visit to the orthodontist if any one of the following indications exists, irrespective of an adult or a child:
Orthodontic procedures are crucial to improve oral health. The reason is that it is difficult to properly clean or floss teeth which are crooked or misaligned. This results in plaque accumulation and subsequent tooth decay and loss, and gum disease. A glorious smile is often the result of correcting a bad bite creates. An improper bite also causes difficulties in chewing and speaking leading to problems with temporomandibular (jaw) joints. Moreover, correcting a bad bite has the added advantage of creating a glorious smile.
Early Orthodontics
Early or interceptive orthodontics relates to the treatment of children, which can be as early as when the child is 6 or 7 years old. At this stage of a child’s development, the teeth and the jaw continue to grow. This makes it more convenient to deal with certain issues such as overcrowded teeth.
Benefits of Early Orthodontics
Due to the fact that teeth and jaws are in the growing phase in a child, early and timely treatment can be beneficial to correct dental arches and jaw-related issues. Early intervention takes advantage of the fact that a child’s jaw is still growing. Early treatment is useful when the dental arches and jaws are not in the correct positions. Functional appliances such as braces are usually used to rectify these problems.
Fashionable and Hip Braces
Gone are the days of unsightly metallic braces. Today, braces for children have gone through significant technological improvements which make them more comfortable to wear, and certainly, a lot trendier. Manufacturers of children’s braces use bright and colourful elastics so that braces become more acceptable and offer a sense of fun. The option to choose a colour encourages children to be more involved with the treatment. The use of new-age materials in the production of brace wires has also alleviated soreness and discomfort. As a consequence of these scientific developments, children find wearing braces to be more socially acceptable and not a source of embarrassment as was the case earlier.
Beyond Braces
Early interceptive treatment for children has the potential to simplify and reduce time (fewer visits) for future procedures and is referred to as two-phase treatment. Early orthodontics can take numerous advantages of the growing teeth and continuing jaw development. For instance, new teeth may be helped to emerge from the gums into the right positions as permanent teeth have not set in yet. The upper dental arch can be expanded with a palatal expander in order to avoid overcrowding of teeth. Crossbites and protruding front teeth can also be conveniently corrected.
It is important to understand that while early treatment has several benefits, children may still have to continue to wear braces, however, the duration is a lot reduced and more comfortable with a satisfying outcome.
Tapadiya’s Dental Casa offers, besides a kid-friendly environment, a range of early interceptive orthodontic procedures which is unique to every child’s needs. The implements and equipment used are specially designed and manufactured for children in order to ensure the most comfortable experience.
Dr Tapadiya offers the following tips for early orthodontic health:
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