As a parent, you want the best for your child – ensuring their health, confidence, and overall well-being is a top priority. When it comes to dental care, especially orthodontics, many parents find themselves navigating a maze of information, some of which can be misleading. In this article, we’ll debunk common myths about orthodontic treatment for young kids and provide factual insights that can guide your decisions.
Myth 1: Orthodontics is Only Necessary during Adolescence
Fact: Early orthodontic intervention can be beneficial for many children. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, an orthodontist can identify potential issues with tooth alignment, jaw growth, and bite problems that may not be easily noticeable in younger children. Early treatment can prevent harmful trauma to the front teeth, improve the way your child breathes, and also simplify future orthodontic care and prevent more serious problems down the road.
Myth 2: Braces are the Only Option for Kids
Fact: While traditional braces are a common treatment, they are not the only option available. Depending on the specific dental issues, orthodontists offer various solutions, including clear aligners (like Invisalign), retainers, and other appliances. These options can be less visible and more comfortable, especially for younger kids who may be self-conscious about their appearance.
Myth 3: All Kids Will Need Braces
Fact: Not every child will require braces or orthodontic treatment. Each child’s dental development is unique, and many factors can influence the necessity for braces, including genetics, dental hygiene, and habits like thumb sucking. Regular dental check-ups will help identify whether treatment is necessary and the ideal timing for it.
Myth 4: Dental Check-ups are Sufficient for Detecting Orthodontic Issues
Fact: While routine dental check-ups are essential for maintaining oral health, they may not always catch orthodontic issues. Dentists often focus on general dental health and may not have the specialized training to identify all orthodontic problems. Visiting an orthodontist regularly during the growth stages after 7 years old, is crucial to monitor your child’s airway, jaws and teeth development. You want to make sure all teeth are present and developing correctly, the jaws are growing in harmony with tooth sizes and the facial esthetics, and the airway is ample enough to allow for appropriate breathing patterns.
Myth 5: Do Braces Hurt?
Fact: Placing the braces is absolutely painless. We only prepare the teeth to bond the brackets onto them, then harden the glue with a blue light. After the brackets are in place, we place the wires and the journey begins! Just like after a tough day at the gym, the teeth will be uncomfortable for the next one or two days, but just sore. The same discomfort is felt whether we use braces or Invisalign, the difference is the way the appliances are felt in the mouth. Braces may be more uncomfortable if they rub on the cheeks, while aligners are more smooth to the tongue and cheeks.
Myth 6: All orthodontic treatments take 2 years to complete.
Fact: All children are different, and orthodontic treatment should be customized to each child’s needs, therefore, not all have the same treatment time. Most cases can be finished in 12 to 18 months with excellent cooperation. There are some children that finish treatment earlier than a year and some that take longer, it depends upon compliance and the complexity of the case.
Myth 7: All orthodontic treatments are the same and we should have a “straight smile”
Fact: Every single orthodontic treatment requires careful attention to esthetics and function. All faces are not equal and all teeth are shaped differently. A straight smile can be detrimental to facial esthetics. It is preferred to pay attention to smile arc esthetics, where the upper teeth follow the curve of the lower lip, for amazing smiles!
About the Doctor
Dr. Pedro J. Alquizar is a board certified orthodontist with over 17 years of experience serving various communities in Kendall, Pinecrest, and Doral . Dr. Alquizar completed his three-year orthodontic specialty training in 2008 at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, and has since attended numerous additional training in the field. He continues to teach and serve the younger pediatric community as an attending at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Pediatric Dental clinic. Dr. Alquizar strives to create individualized treatment plans for both children and adults that not only align your teeth but also balance your facial features, improve your function, and create “natural” smiles.
English
Spanish