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Does your child want a straighter smile? There is no better time than the summer to begin improving your child's smile through braces. Dental braces are a type of treatment used to correct teeth that are crowded, crooked, protruding, out of alignment or have irregular spacing. It's important to maintain regular checkups with your child's dentist to monitor the position of their teeth. A dentist or orthodontist can recommend the best course of treatment for helping your child create their best smile at an early age. By moving a child's teeth into an ideal position, braces help to create a more attractive and healthier smile. The Braces Procedure Initially, your child will undergo a consultation with Dr. Rusel P. Hollister,, which involves an initial examination, discussion of their dental history and review of x-rays of their teeth and mouth. This will help in determining whether the condition is serious enough to require braces and, if so, what will be the best treatment. When braces are placed, a cheek retractor is used to keep the teeth visible and dry during the procedure. Your child's teeth are first polished to ensure that the brackets will bond properly, after which they are air-dried. When your child's braces are first placed and then later adjusted, they can expect to feel minor tightness, which can be expected to decrease within a few hours. What Age is Appropriate for Braces? Typically, a child inherits tooth spacing, malocclusion (a bad bite), crowding, misalignment or similar problems from their parents, but these conditions may be caused by habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip wedging and mouth breathing, or by premature loss of teeth or trauma. Any problems will generally begin to appear between the ages of seven and twelve years old because this is when permanent teeth will start to erupt. Treatment with braces should typically begin between the ages of eight and fourteen in order to achieve optimal results, but even adults can receive braces as treatment for a straighter smile. It is ideal to have an evaluation no later than the age of seven or eight, since this is when your child has a good mixture of primary and adult teeth. Additionally, Dr. Rusel P. Hollister is best able to spot developing teeth and jaw growth at this time in their life, which allows anticipation of potential problems that may arise and plan the braces treatment accordingly. Why are Braces Needed? If your child's teeth are crooked and crowded, keeping them clean becomes difficult. When brushing and flossing cannot be properly performed, tooth decay, gum disease and possible tooth loss may occur. An improper bite can also interfere with your child's ability to chew and speak properly. Additionally, if your child's teeth are protruding and/or their upper and lower teeth don't come together comfortably, jaw or joint problems may occur. By keeping your child's teeth properly aligned, and allowing for better oral hygiene, braces can help your child maintain healthy teeth, gums and oral cavity. Remember, the key to correcting dental issues for your child is regular visits to the dentist and good oral hygiene. If you suspect your child might need braces, consult your dentist in Kalamazoo for further consultation and treatment.
Dr. Rusel Hollister, Kalamazoo, MI dentist, went to the University of Detroit Dental School where he graduated with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1981. Dr. Hollister has had an office in Kalamazoo since 1983, and he opened his current office in 1995, providing patients with services including root canal therapy, implants, Invisalign and braces in Kalamazoo, among other services.
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