Article in the Australian Business Weekly Explains the Types of Dental Braces a Child May Need

An article in the Australian Business Weekly provides a guide to parents on choosing the type of braces your child needs. There are actually several factors that will determine the type of brace that a particular child will need. The most important factor to consider is the severity of the teeth misalignment.

According to the article, which was written by Wahroonga dentist Dr Alfred Tsang, with a severe misalignment, the child may require metal braces or possibly an orthodontic plate. If the misalignment is not severe, a child may only need clear braces or invisible aligners. Another factor to consider is the child’s age. Those who are younger may not yet be ready for metal braces, while those who are older may be capable of handling them. When people think of braces, they usually picture traditional metal braces in their mind. These are made from different kinds of materials and are available in various colours. The brackets are positioned by the dentist on the teeth and then held in place by wires that are attached to the back molars.

The three primary types of dental braces are metal, ceramic, and invisible, with each type having its own pros and cons. The orthodontist will help the patient in choosing the best type of braces for a particular child based on age, the severity of the misalignment, and personal preference.

Lingual braces, which are also called “inside” braces, can be used for straightening the teeth that is often preferred by teenagers and adults because they are positioned inside of the teeth and are therefore less noticeable. However, there are a number of disadvantages. First, they may be more costly than the other types of braces. Second, they can be more uncomfortable to wear, particularly when wearing them for the first time. Third, the wearer may acquire a temporary lisp. And fourth, it may require a longer time to wear them compared to traditional braces. Lingual braces apply the tried and tested technology of conventional braces to effectively move the teeth to the proper position. The only difference is that the action is occurring behind the teeth and is fully hidden from view.

The article advises parents to seek an experts opinion, such as a dentist, before making a decision on which type of brace to use for their child. Specifically, an orthodontist will be able to decide on which type of braces is appropriate for the child, based on the child’s age, severity of misalignment, and personal preference.

Meanwhile, clear aligners are almost invisible when worn and some of the most well-known brands of clear aligners are Invisalign, Smile Direct Club, and SureSmile. These are made from smooth and comfortable plastic and are tailor-fitted to the child’s teeth. Thus, clear aligners are usually preferred by teenagers and adults. The treatment requires the patient to wear a series of clear, removable aligners that will gradually move the teeth over time to the desired position. Clear aligners are more costly but many patients consider it worthwhile because of the comfort and the fact that they are hardly noticeable.

Clear aligners are removable, which means they have the additional advantage of allowing the wearer to eat whatever they want without fear of the food getting caught in the braces, which is quite common when wearing metal braces. After eating, the wearer will simply need to brush and clean the teeth and then put back the clear aligners to continue with their almost-invisible treatment. This also means that clear aligners are more hygienic. And because the clear aligners have been specifically made to fit the patient’s mouth and teeth, they are much more comfortable to wear compared to traditional metal braces.

The article advises parents and those who require braces to visit your local dental clinic too ensure that they will be getting the type of brace that is appropriate based on their dental needs and preferences.