Braces for Children

Braces for Children

Sporting a good smile is everybody’s dream. Today, there are many dental products available in the market that fit a person’s needs to give the best smile possible. Dr. Joseph Cheng, DDS., located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, recommends paying attention to the dental problems children face to reduce the risk of damage they might face later.

While some children can’t wait to get a new set of braces, which shows as a sign that their teen years are not far behind, other children are unsure because they fear that the braces might hurt and compromise their physical appearance too. Orthodontic braces are the answers for the answer as they are not at all painful and give the child a beautiful straight smile.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that the children receive their first orthodontic evaluation when they are seven years old. As pre-teens and teenagers are still experiencing jaw growth, orthodontic braces work quicker.

Poorly aligned teeth lead to problems like speaking, biting and chewing. Irregularities happen as a result of genetics, developmental issues, or bad habits like thumb sucking, breathing from the mouth, poor nutrition, and poor oral hygiene.

Procedure

During the initial examination of the child’s teeth, Dr. Cheng, will also get x-rays, bite impressions and computer-generated images for head and neck. This is called the planning phase that helps Dr. Cheng diagnose and draw the most effective treatment plan.

Following are the different types of orthodontic appliances available:

Fixed Braces

Fixed braces have brackets which are affixed to every individual tooth and an arch wire connecting to the brackets. Brackets are usually made of cement or metal. Clear synthetic brackets can be used as they are less noticeable to the naked eye. It is important that the child visits for regular dental-check up to have the braces adjusted. Orthodontic elastic bands are added to help the movement of specific teeth. Elastic bands come in fun colors that children can pick.

Headgears

Headgears are custom-made dental appliances that are used to treat developmental irregularities. A headgear is attached to the wire that is worn to help teeth movement. It should be worn for 12-20 hours every day and as recommended by Dr. Cheng in order to achieve the best results.

Retainers

Retainers are used in the retention phase after the original malocclusion has been treated with braces. Retainers are essential to stop the teeth from regressing back to the original misalignment. Retainers help the teeth to stay in proper alignment and help the jawbone around the teeth to stabilize.


Office Hours

Monday

9:00am - 6:00pm

Tuesday

8:00am - 5:00pm

Wednesday

7:00am - 5:00pm

Thursday

8:00am - 5:00pm

Friday

8:00am - 2:00pm

Saturday

CLOSED

Sunday

CLOSED