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Dental Braces for Kids

According to MSNBC, more kids are receiving braces at a younger age. While braces used to be a seen as a milestone during the teenage years, they're now being used on children of kindergarten and grade school age. Some children see braces as an opportunity to be more like grown-ups or to express themselves in their choice of rubber band colors. Other children may be nervous about the idea of having metal in their mouths or not being able to eat some of their favorite snack foods, but kids should know that modern braces have come a long way in terms of technology. The only option used to be to have a "full metal mouth," but now braces are now offered in a variety of forms--some nearly invisible--to suit the needs of all ages.

  1. Traditional Bands

    • Traditional bands, or metal braces, are most commonly used for severe alignment issues since metal is much stronger than other braces materials. This type of dental brace is made up of three things: a metal bracket (which is glued to the tooth with a dental adhesive), metal wire, and metal bands (which secure the wire to the brackets). Traditional bands are an economic option, but they're often unnecessary for children with minor alignment problems. Another variety of traditional braces is the "mini-brace," which is made of the same materials but the bracket is much smaller.

    Ceramic Brackets

    • Ceramic braces still use metal wire, but the brackets are ceramic so that they blend better with the color of the teeth. Ceramic braces are beneficial to children who don't want their braces to be too obvious, though you should be prepared to pay a bit extra for this cosmetic benefit. Additionally, ceramic brackets won't stain or discolor over time.

    Plastic and "Invisible" Braces

    • Clear plastic braces are best suited to children who don't have severe alignment issues, since plastic is weaker than other materials and may require more wearing time. There are two kinds of "invisible" braces on the market. The first is the kind that uses plastic for the brackets, leaving the wire still visible. The second is called Invisalign, which uses a series of clear plastic retainers that fit over the teeth to alter the alignment.

    Lingual-Type Brackets

    • Lingual braces are usually made of metal, but they're special because they fit on the backs of your teeth rather than the front. These braces are less obvious to others, but they do have some negative features: it can be difficult to talk when you first get them, only some orthodontists are trained in putting them in, and lingual braces may only be effective with certain conditions.

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