Orthodontic Treatments for Children and Teens

Orthodontic treatments are a great way to straighten teeth, improve your bite and jaw, and boost confidence and self-esteem in your kids. More and more parents are choosing to have orthodontic treatment done to their children. This improve your child's dental health at a time where the mouth is still growing. Our orthodontists can prevent issues that could affect the proper alignment of the entire mouth.

If you’re a parent with a child who is in need of orthodontic treatment, you are probably wondering, “How can I help my child get the best care possible?” If you’re like most parents, you want to ensure that your child gets the best treatment available and you will do everything you can to help get the beautiful smile he or she deserves. Talk with your orthodontist and let us suggest you the best options available.

Why do kids and teens need braces?

Braces can solve a number of oral health issues, including:

Overly crowded and crooked teeth
Gaps between teeth
Overbite (where the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth)
Open bite (where some teeth cannot properly touch each other)
Underbite (where the lower teeth stick out ahead of the upper teeth)
Crossbite (where both the lower and upper teeth are misaligned)

Fixing these issues carries several benefits. First, it improves the way your teen’s smile will look. Many studies have shown that people with healthier smiles have more confidence and often enjoy more success in work and in their communities.

But it’s not just about the way your child’s teeth look. Having a good smile also has several health benefits, such as:

Teeth are easier to clean and therefore less likely to get cavities or decay
Bad bites can create unnecessary pressure on certain teeth – this can lead to chipped teeth or sore jaw muscles
Straighter teeth contribute to more clear speech

We often recommend braces in a patient’s teenage years because it is a time of change. This means the treatment can happen more quickly than in their adult years, and they’ll also be surrounded by other teens who have braces.

The difference between traditional, lingual and invisible braces (clear aligners)

Traditional braces are the most common option, consisting of a series of metal brackets bonded to your teeth and a series of wires that connect the brackets to each other. While traditional braces are the most visible, they're not the only option. Lingual braces, for instance, are placed on the inside of your teeth and are almost invisible. A clear aligner is a transparent removable plastic tray system used as orthodontic devices, essentially Invisalign acts as clear braces. The trays adapt precisely to your dental alignment and gradually move your teeth to an ideal arch shape, bite alignment and a beautiful smile.

What is the best treatment option for my children?

Now the question remains– which option is best for your child? Perhaps the best way to determine this is to discuss your options with an orthodontist you trust. You’ll want to understand your teenager’s concerns about getting braces and consider your budget. After your orthodontist examines your child’s mouth, they can recommend what they think is best. If you’re looking for an orthodontist you can trust in Hawaii visit us at our Kapolei and Honolulu office for a free consultation with Tottori Family Orthodontists.

Dr. Steven Tottori is an accomplished orthodontist with more than 30 years of experience and a passion for working with families and teens to provide great smiles that last a lifetime. The priority of our entire team is to make a positive impact in your child’s life by enhancing self-confidence, self-esteem and overall dental health.