Many are afraid of going to the dentist, but, as soon as they hear about going to the orthodontist, suddenly the dentist does not sound so bad. Children are especially afraid of oral doctors because usually medical workers seem scary with all their gadgets and tools. However, there is no real reason to be afraid of visiting and orthodontist, because in no time, you will have all your teeth irregularities fixed.
Some of the Differences between a Dentist and an Orthodontist
People tend to mix these two professions up, because they believe that what they do are one and the same, and for children it does not really matter, because they are scared either way. However, an orthodontist is basically a specialist who deals with bad bite and with crooked teeth, but in a manner to have them straightened out. And, for any other causes, they will usually refer children to the dentist. Nevertheless, making your teeth straight once more can be a hard and long process, which is why you need to ensure that you visit one with your child as soon as possible.
Is Your Kid’s Bite in Line?
As scary as it can be for a kid, you will have to go and visit an orthodontist, so that your kid can get a diagnosis on whether or not it is important to have an intervention, or if there is no real need for it. Keep in mind that that if it comes to putting on braces to straighten out some teeth, you should avoid having your dentist do it, because they simply do not have the experience and knowledge to go about it. Moreover, an orthodontist specializes fixing up weird teeth behaviors, so that that they will know exactly what to do and how to help your child. So make sure thet they visit their dentist regularly and keep their smile healthy.
What Is The Appropriate Age To Go To The Orthodontist?
Although there is no clear rule on what age you should take your child to an orthodontist, it is generally best to go when your child is around seven years old. Now, your orthodontist will not be able to predict and fix every major problem, but they will be able to find some early signs of how your kid’s teeth are going to behave. Nobody likes to get bad news, but, since it is better to start as early as possible with treatment, you should encourage your child that nothing bad will happen and that it is all for the best.
Time To Put On Some Braces
Braces are seen not only as a sign for fixing crooked teeth, but as a hindrance for most who have to wear it. But, it does not have to be so, because there are a lot of braces and retainers readily available to choose from. Though, you will have to sit down and explain to your kid that it is best to suffer a little bit now and to have an amazing smile with pearly whites later on in life. Luckily, braces do not hurt, but they can be uncomfortable at times.
Are There Any Alternatives?
Unfortunately, there are not a lot of alternatives to choose from just yet, because so far braces have proven to be very useful, and they rarely caused any major issues. Though, nowadays the invisalign vs braces battle is quite fierce, and in the near future it will be possible to expect other similar braces-like designs and methods to emerge. Nevertheless, for the time being, it is best to listen to the opinion of the orthodontist and do as per instructed, so that your child can have a great smile that does not have to be hidden.
How Long Do You Have To Wear Braces?
As soon as your child gets the braces put on, the first question immediately is going to be: “How long do I have to wear them?” The treatment will vary depending on the problem, but the general rule of thumb is that kids have to wear them somewhere between 18 to 36 months. However, if everything goes well, it can be shorter too, but it will also greatly depend on how your child is growing and if there are any other complications along the way.
Coming home from the orthodontist’s does not have to mean that your child will have some major problems. Rather, it means that if some early signs of teeth deformities are picked up, they can be mediated immediately, and often without having to result with braces being put on. But, if push comes to shove, and if your child is in need of braces, make sure to choose one which will be the most comfortable and that they do not have to suffer a lot as long as the treatment is in progress.
