Braces are increasingly common among adults in the 21st century, with the advances in materials and techniques. But they are still just as important for children.
Here at One Smile Oral Care, we encourage parents to bring their children in for an orthodontic check-up, so that we can keep an eye on whether or not they are going to need braces. Dr Yasmin George takes a keen interest in making sure that children’s mouths and faces are developing properly. She monitors not only their teeth and gums, but also their jaws and bite. And Yasmin can tell from as young as the age of five whether your child is going to need some help to develop good straight teeth, properly sized jaws, a good profile and a broad, beautiful, beaming smile.
If not, do not worry, because here at One Smile in West Malling, braces come in different designs and materials, to fit your needs and that of your children. It is a good idea to bring your child in for an orthodontic check-up no later than seven-years-old, because there are some problems that can only be treated while the face is still growing.
We have several different designs of braces.Metal bracket and wire braces are much smaller these days and we find that, because they are robust, they can stand up to the extra wear and tear, bumps and bashes that go with being an active, healthy child. This is one reason why metal braces remain popular among children.
We also offer bracket and wire braces that have clear ceramic brackets and tooth-coloured wires. These small, discreet braces are the kind that many adults choose because people have to get up close to spot them. They are, however, more fragile than metal braces and may not be the right choice if you have a sporty child.
If your child’s teeth only need some minor readjustments, then they may be able to wear clear plastic aligners. These are not suitable for serious corrections, but work incredibly well on the front six teeth if they are only slightly wonky.
We offer a free initial consultation, so please take advantage of it to find out if your child may need help.