Children's braces: types, installation, photo

The earlier to start orthodontic therapy, the more effective it will be. Treatment of various dentoalveolar defects and malocclusion is an important task, which first of all poses for children's dentistry. Braces are considered the most popular treatment option for anomalies of incisors. Many parents are interested in what this therapy represents, how effective it is. Concern about these issues is understandable. Curvature of the teeth is a serious enough problem that can complicate life in the future.

general information

Children's braces are a highly thought-out system, the main function of which is assigned to only one part - the arc. It is made of metal with a memory effect. During the installation of braces, this arc is constantly distorted, but it always tends to take its original position. Together with her teeth shift. The initial shape of the arc exactly repeats the ideal shape of the patient's teeth. Locks perform only a binding function, with little effect on the course of treatment.

Many believe that it is too late to treat an occlusion in adulthood. Specialists are horrified at such statements. It is never too late to treat teeth, but it's much easier for children. From 12 to 20 years, the human jaw still continues to form. Teeth are very pliable, it is easy for them to change their position and direction of growth. Therefore, the treatment of malocclusion in childhood is much faster.

It should be noted that the initial age is 12 years. Until this period, the development of the jaw system is at its peak. Even baby braces can disrupt the natural process and lead to undesirable consequences. If you set the brackets very early, you can stay without teeth at all. Twelve years is a relative period. The term of the final formation of the jaw in each child is different. The orthodontist should carefully examine the oral cavity, take a few X-rays and only then decide whether to put braces on the teeth. A delicate approach and a quick result are the only advantages of treating an incorrect bite in children.

What braces to choose?

According to statistical data, about 40% of adolescents and 30% of children have different jaw anomalies. Such problems in most cases lead to poor health in the future. They can manifest themselves in the form of periodontitis, temporomandibular joint diseases, etc. Children's braces are not fundamentally different from adults. Conditionally they can be divided into two categories:

• Vestibular (set on the outer surface of the tooth);
• Lingual (installed on the inside).

Help with the choice of a specific option and answer all the questions you are interested can the doctor consult. After examining the oral cavity, the specialist will also tell you how the braces will affect the teeth. Photos of patients before and after, as a rule, are available in all medical offices.

Types of bracket systems

With the development of orthodontics, various variations of the bracket system have appeared. They can be used to treat both children and adults. The structures are divided into several categories, where the determining factor is: the type of locks, their location, material of manufacture.

• Vestibular and lingual braces. As noted earlier, these systems differ in the place of installation. Lingual braces are considered the most thoughtful and perfect tool for correcting anomalies of tooth growth. They are invisible to others, so they are often called invisible. Wearing such a design is much easier for the child. The only drawback is the high cost.
• Ligature and self-adjusting braces . This type of division is rarely used in practice. Today, self-regulating children's braces are increasingly used. In this construction, ligatures (elastic parts) are not used. Locks are thought out so that when overloaded, they relax a little. As a result, the pressure does not spread over one area, but is evenly distributed throughout the arc. The only drawback of self-adjusting braces are frequent trips to the dentist.
• Metal, ceramic and sapphire braces. Another criterion for the separation of dental structures is the fabrication material. Everyone is more accustomed to seeing metal braces, but today ceramic variants are gaining popularity. They are invisible on the teeth. Sapphire braces are also difficult to distinguish. They are very durable and unpretentious in their care. The only drawback of the design is high cost.

Installation of children's braces

First of all, it should be noted that this is a very complex construction. It consists of staples that are attached separately to each tooth and are connected together by a wire. As the anomalies are corrected, the doctor adjusts the tension of the wire. Therefore, the child should be taken about once a month to see a dentist. The bracket system should be worn around the clock.

How the adaptation takes place after installation

Any orthodontic system is a foreign subject for the oral cavity. The first few days, it can cause a lot of inconvenience, ranging from difficulties in conversation and ending with discomfort during brushing your teeth. It's really great stress, but you can handle it. Parents should explain to the child that all unpleasant feelings will soon pass, and the smile will be beautiful. If the design details rub your cheek or lips, you can use a special wax. You can not know exactly how long it takes to adapt. In each case, this process is individual.

After-installation care

Any orthodontic design complicates hygiene procedures. After installing the bracket system, children should take care of the oral cavity twice as hard as usual. Due to poor hygiene, teeth can form caries. To cure it, you need to remove the whole structure, then put braces on your teeth again. Naturally, this procedure is paid additionally. To avoid unnecessary costs, dentists recommend following fairly simple rules:

• Brush your teeth after eating with a special orthodontic brush;
• Carefully wash all the details of the bracket system;
• To clean the plaque between the teeth with a thread or a special brush;
• Use a mouthwash.

Some children need parental control to comply with these recommendations. Moms and dads should explain the need for proper oral hygiene and talk about the possible consequences.

Saving the results

After removal of the design, the teeth will "try" to take their original place. To prevent re-curvature, dentists recommend installing special containers. This is a plastic cap with a metal arc, which you can put on your own at night. Sometimes doctors recommend wearing a design in the daytime. A non-detachable container is a metal arc, which is mounted on the inner surface of the teeth. Usually it is fastened with dental glue. The holding device must be worn twice as long as the braces. Photo of the retailers is presented below.

Cost

The alignment of the occlusion in children takes on average about a year. After installing the child's design, the doctor should be shown every month. After this time, experts recommend that for another six months they have to keep the retainers to fix the result. Their cost directly depends on the selected material.

How much will the procedure for correcting the occlusion of a child cost? When calculating the price, the doctor is guided by the following parameters:

• The cost of the bracket system;
• The price of fixing the structure;
• Consultation and treatment during each visit;
• Cost of the adherence phase.

In addition to external factors, the price is affected by the degree of neglect. Proceeding from all the above, how much will equalize the teeth with braces, only a doctor can count. The average cost of installing metal structures varies around 20,000 rubles. The most expensive option is lingual braces. Their price can reach 100 thousand rubles.

Let's sum up the results

Correction of tooth defects in small patients is a time-consuming and expensive procedure. Bracket systems for children and adults are almost the same, but the correction of occlusion is much faster. It will take no more than two years to make the child's smile beautiful and attractive. That's why you should not postpone the visit to the dentist and, according to the testimony, install braces on the teeth.