Children Braces
Braces are an effective orthodontic treatment for crowded or crooked teeth; they also correct bites or jaw misalignment. Knowing when your child needs braces isn’t always easily determined.
We offer braces for pediatric. From correcting overbites to straightening out teeth, Tender Care Dental can help improve your child’s smile and oral health.
Believe it or not, the need for braces extends beyond the obvious crooked teeth.
It is not always evident to a parent that their child needs braces, which is why an orthodontic evaluation is an important part of kids’ dental care.
The Best Age for Braces
While orthodontic concerns can be addressed at nearly any point (child, teen, adult), ideally braces should be placed while the child’s head and mouth are still growing, making those middle school years (11-14) the best age for braces. It’s not just their age that matters, it’s also important that your child is responsible enough to maintain a healthy oral care routine. They also need to be able to understand what foods to avoid to prevent damage to their braces, and to be able to communicate about any pain they are experiencing.
When Should My Child Get Braces?
There is no specific age that requires children to get braces. However, around age 8, most children start to show signs of malocclusions and bad bites. Malocclusions are crowded or crooked teeth. These are generally the most prominent indication that a child needs braces. Other signs include:
- Gaps between teeth
- Mouth breathing.
- Persistent thumb-sucking (beyond age four)
- Chewing problems
- Significant baby-tooth decay
Generally, braces are for children who have significant overcrowding or crooked teeth. However, the severity of your child’s orthodontic problems will determine when they should get braces. We can identify early signs of orthodontic issues by examining your child’s jaw. Early detection is the best way to minimize oral health issues and ensure that your child’s adult teeth grow properly.
If you think your child may need braces, let Tender Care Dental take a look. We will carefully examine your child’s mouth and determine if braces are necessary.
How Do Braces Work?
We understand how the mouth and facial bones develop, affecting alignment and how the upper and lower teeth come together.
These issues are best addressed during the teen years while jawbone is still malleable and teeth can more easily be moved. We provide customized treatments so that your child or young adult will have a great smile and a healthy, comfortable bite for life.
What Should I Expect if My Child Needs Braces?
Most children wear their braces for one to three years. During this time, the metal brackets, wires, and elastics work together to straighten your child’s smile and improve their bite gradually. We know that not all children enjoy pediatric orthodontic visits. Thankfully, braces are virtually painless and non-invasive.
When your orthodontist determines that your child needs braces, the first step is fitting. The fitting appointment generally lasts between one and two hours. After the fitting, the orthodontist will glue the brackets to your child’s teeth. After placing the brackets, we thread the wire through the brackets and secure them in place with elastics. Your child can expect minor soreness following the procedure but should not experience any substantial pain.
Tender Care Dental
Tender Care Dental
Tender Care Dental
Tender Care Dental
Tender Care Dental
Tender Care Dental
Meet Our Doctors
Dr Gitonga Ndirangu graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the University of Nairobi in 2013. He is currently pursuing his Postgraduate Degree in Periodontology & Implant Dentistry.
Dr. Meera Shah graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from Moi University in 2014. She specializes in routine dentistry, endodontics, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry.
Dr. Frankline Kidula graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the University of Nairobi in 2012. He is currently pursuing his Postgraduate Degree in orthodontics.
Dr. Johnson Mwangi graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery ( BDS) from the University of Nairobi in 1991. An MBA (Stratgic Management) in 2006 and a post graduate diploma in Oral Implantology from the University of Pretoria and New York University.
Emergency Cases
Please feel welcome to contact our friendly reception staff with any general or medical enquiry call us.