Braces

What Are Braces?

Dental braces are devices used in orthodontics to move teeth or adjust the underlying bone. Teeth can be moved by removable appliances or by fixed braces. The goal of dental braces is to properly align your teeth and jaws to produce an even bite and pleasing smile. This not only improves their appearance and the way the teeth bite together but can also make them easier to clean. Braces are most common in teenagers, as well as adults. 

Dental braces are most common in correcting overcrowded or crooked teeth, gapped teeth, other jaw misalignment problems that cause an uneven bite, and overlapping the front teeth. This corrective dental treatment may improve not only the appearance of your teeth but also the health of your mouth and the way you bite, chew, and speak. 

Braces For Kids & Teens

Kids and teenagers can need braces for many reasons, including crooked, overlapping, or overcrowded teeth, or a “bad bite” (known as malocclusion). Is this really the right time when their kids need it, or is it essential for them to have it? Well, like many other dental-related questions, it’s subjective. Some kids may need dental braces earlier than other kids, while some don’t need dental braces. Keep in mind, there is no set age for a child’s first orthodontist visit. 

As a parent, you need to watch out for the early warning signs that your kid might need dental braces, including:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Trouble chewing or biting
• Mouth breathing
• Finger sucking or other poor oral habits
• Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
• Jaws that make sounds, shift, protrude or are recessed
• Difficulty speaking
• Cheek biting or biting into the roof of the mouth
• Protruding teeth
• Teeth that fail to meet normally or at all
• Facial imbalance or asymmetry
• Teeth grinding or clenching

In addition, the treatment protocol for each kid is different and there is no general approach. Now, the braces your orthodontist recommends will depend on your child’s particular problem, such as:

• Traditional metal braces – Have steel ties holding the wires between the brackets in place.
• Ceramic braces – Have tooth-colored brackets, which are not as visible to other people.
• Damon braces – Do not have steel ties, as the brackets themselves hold the wires in place.

Here at SuperKids Pediatric Dentistry, we offer orthodontic services designed to exceed the expectations of parents and children alike. Our dental braces services are tailor-fit to the specific needs of every child. Our traditional braces are available at our Alexandria and Sterling, VA clinics. Call us today to make an appointment.

Contact the Team at SuperKids

Get all of your orthodontic issues taken care of in a bright, welcoming, and clean environment! Contact us at SuperKids to make an appointment.

You can contact us at one of our locations:

5204 Dawes Ave, Alexandria, VA 22311   Phone: 703-931-4400
46175 Westlake Drive Suite 430, Sterling, VA 20165   Phone: 703-774-0014