“I know my child needs some form of orthodontic treatment, but what option is the best?”
While each situation is unique, there are some standard treatments or appliances that can help your child straighten their crooked teeth. Burlingame Smile Studio, serving Burlingame, Hillsborough, and Millbrae, can help you make decisions.
Here are some of the most common teeth-straightening solutions for children and teenagers.
Braces:
We’re all familiar with traditional metal braces, which consist of standard metal brackets. They are ideal for children and teens with severe alignment issues. Additionally, there are clear ceramic braces, called self-litigating braces, for your child.
Invisalign clear braces
Invisalign Teen Clear Braces is an option for responsible teenagers who want the teeth straightening of traditional braces but are also concerned with their appearance. These braces are clear aligners and are best suited for teens with mild to moderate issues.
The key to Invisalign Teen is discipline. Your teen must be able to follow all the Invisalign Teen guidelines or else treatment may not be as effective as it can be.
Positioners
Positioners are used toward the end of orthodontic treatment. They are typically worn for 4-8 weeks and help complete the final shifts in your child’s teeth.
Retainers
Retainers help maintain progress after braes. You’ve spent time and money on your child’s teeth, you don’t them want to “lose progress.”
Headgear
This type of treatment gently pulls the teeth to help correct an overbite or underbite. In many cases, children and teens do not want headgear due to the looks, but it’s a common treatment that has stood the test of time.
If your child suffers from an underbite or overbite, they may thank you a few years from that you were able to provide them with headgear orthodontic treatment.
Separators, Spacers, and Bands:
Separators or spacers are part of a larger orthodontic treatment option and are used in order to create space between teeth so elastic bands can be placed. It’s important to note that we recommend staying away from sticky foods when wearing spacers or separators.
Herbst appliance:
The Herbst appliance is typically worn by younger patients for a period of 12-15 months, and it helps to straighten crooked teeth by correcting an overbite (it moves the lower jaw forward, and upper molars backward).
Palatal Expander:
A palatal expander is used to widen your upper jaw with gentle pressure. It works by gently pushing your upper molars, but any pain that is felt is minimal.
Where should you go from here?
If your child has crooked or misshapen teeth, you’d probably like to research how to fix this problem in order to give them a better life with more self-confidence.
Many parents think they need a referral from their family dentist, but that isn’t the case. In fact, you can book your own orthodontic appointment as soon as needed.
Contact Burlingame Smile Studio, serving Burlingame, Hillsborough, and Millbrae.
(650) 231-2680
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1740 Marco Polo Way Ste 12
Burlingame, California
94010
