Misaligned teeth are not just an issue aesthetically; they can affect your kid’s ability to properly chew and speak. That’s why having your child’s orthodontic treatment while young is important.
Orthodontic treatment has been prevalent over the years. Yet, there are still myths about braces for kids. Now, we will uncover the truth behind five common myths about braces for kids that might mislead you.
Braces for Kids: Overview
Braces can be hard for kids to deal with at first. Their mouth is still so sensitive that they have soreness and discomfort as they get used to it. But overall, having braces while they are at an early age helps prevent dealing with another (or worse) dental problem in the future.
There are types of braces you can choose from – traditional, ceramic, lingual and invisible. Schedule an assessment with an orthodontist to know what suits best for your child.
With braces’ benefits for kids in the long run, they might want to say “thank you” for doing it for them as early as possible.
Improve Chewing
Misaligned teeth can cause struggle when biting down and chewing food, making it hard for them to eat properly. Braces help in alignment for better bite. When kids chew better, it helps in their digestion.
Improve Kid’s Speech
Teeth gaps make it hard for kids to speak some words clearly; some may sound funny. With these, they might be embarrassed enough not to mingle too much to avoid this situation. It will affect their self-esteem as they see themselves as different. Braces address gaps and other dental issues that cause speech problems.
Improve Self-Confidence
Having protruded or crooked teeth can make your child self-conscious about their smile. Braces help achieve your kid’s perfect smile, making them more confident than ever.
Popular Myths about Braces for Kids and Why They’re Not True
Even with the benefits of braces for your kids, myths still mislead you. Let’s know the truth behind its five common myths.
Myth No.1 – Kids Can’t Play Sports with Braces
This myth originated from the protective nature of parents who are nervous about possible injuries during sports. They fear that braces get broken during sports and harm the child’s mouth.
Fact: Wearing braces won’t stop your kid from playing sports.
Kids can absolutely play sports with braces. Yes, there will be a risk that a ball might accidentally hit your kid’s mouth. But with a sports mouthguard, you can protect your kids, teeth, mouth and jaw.
Will this be possible with braces? Yes! A sports mouthguard can be customised to protect your kid’s braces. You can get it from your dentist.
Myth No.2 – Braces Ruin a Child’s Self-Esteem
It may be true that children get self-conscious when wearing braces. Old perceptions and stereotypes had it also that braces are unattractive and disruptive. However, this may be avoided by being proactive with them during treatment.
Fact: Braces can actually enhance a child’s self-esteem by giving them a beautiful, confident smile in the long run.
Children need confidence in childhood. If they feel different from others, they may hesitate not to engage with others. Braces may be visible, but they do more good. Depending on the case of your misalignment, braces improve the appearance of the teeth. After the treatment, your kid will develop more confidence because of their straighter teeth.
Braces also help improve speech. Malocclusions like overbite and underbite may affect your kid’s speech with delays and impediments. After the treatment of braces, nothing will give your kid more confidence than speaking clearly – with the help of braces.
Myth No.3 – A Child Can Be Too Young for Braces
As braces are perceived to be a long-term treatment, they should be done when a child has grown up.
Fact: In some cases, early intervention can prevent more extensive treatment later on.
Most orthodontic treatments usually start around 11 to 13 years old. Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends that children around 8 to 10 years old should start visiting your kid’s orthodontist. It reduces the need to have a more complex orthodontic treatment later.
At a young age, teeth are still developing, and jawbones are more malleable. The orthodontist in Sydney, Australia, can assess the problem and develop an effective treatment plan to fix it. It saves time, money and discomfort in the long run.
Myth No.4 – Kids Today Don’t Want Braces
Kids today prefer having an aesthetic face and mouth. Thus, they don’t want to have braces on their teeth for a long-term treatment that won’t show any immediate results.
Fact: Many kids today embrace the idea of coloured braces.
Now, you can get braces in various sizes and colours. It makes it fun for them as they can still express themselves while having dental treatment. And for those kids that prefer discreet ones, other types of braces cater to these kinds of needs.
Myth No.5 – Braces Are Necessary Only When Your Child Has Crooked Teeth
This myth resulted from a lack of understanding about braces, contributing to misconceptions.
Fact: Braces can address various orthodontic issues beyond crooked teeth.
While it is true that braces address crooked teeth, it works on a wide range of dental problems. It includes missing teeth, overbite, underbite, and other teeth issues associated with dental health.
Final Thoughts
Braces have a great benefit for your kids’ teeth and overall health. It also helps improve their self-esteem, speech and chewing. Every orthodontic treatment is unique to each individual, depending on the case. The truth behind these common myths will help you know how beneficial braces can be to your kids so they can benefit from them in the long run.
