Answering Questions About Correcting Your Child's Misaligned Teeth

The quality of your child's smile is one of the most important features of their face. Not surprisingly, the smile is one of the first facial features that people will notice, and it is important to make a good first impression. Unfortunately, your child may need to undergo orthodontic treatments, and you may not be very informed about these procedures. To help you be an informed parent, it might be wise to learn the answers to the following few questions.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing to Use Clear Braces or Corrective Retainers?

Some parents might think that metal braces will be the only option for correcting their child's smile. However, metal braces can be rather unsightly, and you might be worried about these braces impacting your child's sense of self-esteem. Luckily, it is often possible to opt for treatments that use clear removable retainers to gently move the teeth into the correct position. In instances where the alignment problems are rather severe, braces may be required, but you can minimize their visibility by opting for clear braces. These braces use clear plastic instead of metal wires, which will greatly reduce their noticeability.

Will Discreet Options Take Longer to Correct Your Smile?

While these discreet options for straighter teeth can greatly reduce the aesthetic impacts of wearing these devices, some parents may be leery of choosing these options for fear that they will take longer. In instances where the alignment issues are especially severe, this may be the case, but mild issues will be corrected in a comparable amount of time. To help you make a sound decision, your orthodontist will be able to provide you with expected treatment times for these options.

How Do You Care for Your Teeth While Undergoing This Straightening Procedure?

Regardless of the treatment option that is used, it is essential to keep the teeth as clean as possible through these treatments. It is possible for food particles and other materials to get lodged in the orthodontic equipment, which can make the teeth more likely to develop decay. To prevent this from occurring, your child must brush at least three times a day. Additionally, you might want to consider investing in a water flosser as these devices can help your child to easily remove these particles from difficult to reach areas. While these flossers may be somewhat expensive, they are a fraction of the costs involved with having your child's cavities filled.