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For many, getting braces is a coming-of-age ritual. Although most parents think braces are a purely cosmetic procedure designed to allow their child to grow into beautiful, confident adults, braces can be essential for your child’s overall oral health and well-being.
Want to know more about braces? Let’s have a chat.
Why do children need braces?
Straight teeth may seem purely aesthetic, but crooked, overcrowded teeth can increase the risk of tooth decay, plaque build-up, gum disease, soft tissue injury, speech impediments, poor digestion and frequent headaches, and insecurity. Braces allow these issues to be rectified by giving patients a perfect smile.
For more information on teeth alignment for both children and adults, check out our blog.
Do my children need braces?
Not all children will need to have braces in their lifetime. But, several indicators will tell you if your child needs orthodontic treatment. These include:
○ Early loss of baby teeth (before age five)
○ If your child’s teeth don’t meet properly when biting
○ Mouth breathing and/or snoring
○ Overcrowded teeth
○ Protruding teeth
○ Biting and chewing difficulties
○ A speech impediment
○ If your child’s jaw shifts when they open and close their mouth
Unsure if your child needs braces? Book an appointment
What to expect the first time you see us?
When your child comes in for their first orthodontic visit, our professional staff will take the time to examine your child’s teeth, mouth and jaw. During the assessment, we may also ask questions and take X-rays to get a clear picture of what’s happening inside your child’s mouth. From here, we’ll give you a full breakdown of the situation and propose a complete orthodontic dental plan – which will include a teeth alignment plan and proposed tooth extractions – and give you time to ask questions or raise any concerns.
Is your child ready to see a dentist? Book an appointment
Our friendly staff will ensure their experience is as enjoyable as possible.
For most people, dental visits are only booked when a specific problem arises – whether it is a dental emergency or misaligned teeth. However, in paediatric dentistry, dental visits are all about prevention. Taking care of our teeth and addressing problems before they arise guarantees that many issues are avoided in the future – including expensive teeth alignment treatments.
Early dental visits instil good dental habits and hygiene to prevent decay and gum disease and allow a professional to assess the child’s oral health. It also gives us a chance to chat and educate both children and parents on how things – such as breastfeeding, diets and hygiene habits – can affect our teeth. Most importantly, it can desensitise children from developing the dreaded dental phobia.
Have some questions you need answered? Give us a call or make an appointment today.
It’s recommended that we start taking our kids to the dentist by the time they turn one – or within six months of their first tooth appearing. These visits not only focus on dental education but will ensure that everything goes smoothly as they age.
Good dental health and habits in the early years lay the foundations for good dental and general health throughout life. Caring for your child’s teeth and taking your child to see a dentist in childhood is part of helping your child grow and develop well. With that being said, it’s never too late to take your child to the dentist for a check-up.
When you visit Maidstone Dental, you can rest assured that your kind and patient paediatric dentist will take the time to make you and your child comfortable. During your first visit, you can expect a thorough dental exam – where the dentist will look at your child’s teeth and gums and assess their oral hygiene. From there, they will talk to you, the parent, about what’s going on in your child’s mouth. Our dentists are highly trained and will thoroughly explain the what’s, why’s, and when’s of any proposed treatment. Then, together, we’ll map out your child’s oral health care.
Don’t wait for a problem; regular check-ups are important for children.
An early intervention treatment option designed to gently shape your child’s smile early on in childhood. Often referred to as a ‘plate’, removable appliances fix bite problems, such as overbites, and alter the growth of your child’s jaw to help prevent the need for extensive treatment as they age.
An early intervention treatment option designed to gently shape your child’s smile early on in childhood. Often referred to as a ‘plate’, removable appliances fix bite problems, such as overbites, and alter the growth of your child’s jaw to help prevent the need for extensive treatment as they age.
The most popular form of teeth straightening for children, metal braces consist of metal brackets semi-permanently attached to your child’s teeth and connected with a thin metal wire. The wire is adjusted regularly to move the teeth into place slowly. At Maidstone Dental, we offer the latest treatments, including modern brackets that are much smaller and more comfortable than that of the past. Additionally, we also offer flexible Ni-Ti archwires that ensure teeth are moved more gently and effectively in the past – making the process as pain-free as possible.
One of the downsides of braces is that it makes good oral hygiene habits even more critical. Individuals with braces might find it a bit more tedious to brush their teeth as food can get stuck in the wires. When you have braces, you need to ensure that your child:
○ Brushes after meals
○. Flosses daily
○ See the dentist or orthodontist regularly for cleanings and check-ups.
Additionally, children with braces need to avoid certain foods that can damage their braces. These foods include:
Although braces are relatively pain-free, your child can feel discomfort when we adjust the wires. In these cases, we recommended eating softer foods or soup and taking over-the-counter pain medication if required. We would also give your child some orthodontic wax to cover any sharp spots on the braces that may be causing discomfort.
Finally, sometimes the metal wire can become loose or poke the inside of their cheek, or a bracket can be dislodged. If this is the case, see the orthodontist straight away.
Did something go wrong with your braces?
Book your child’s first dental visit!
Dr. Marcus is the best dentist I ever had he is kind, calm and he was really gentle with my teeth, I highly recommend him . The clinic is really nice, the lady at the reception is really nice. Definitely the best clinic!
Lucie LecanteurHighly professional and friendly service especially by Dr. Tiffany Ke
Stam KonsDr. Marcus is fantastic. He is kind, calm and extremely gentle with my teeth, I couldn’t recommend him more for someone who is scared of the pain associated with dental appointments. The clinic is a bit on the pricey side but it’s worth it for the service. And a TV on the roof is cool too lol.
cheese 5Dr Tu Anh Pham is the best dentist I have ever had. She explains things well and makes sure you know what is happening throughout your appointment. She is also the gentlest dentist I have ever been to! I highly recommend her - especially for people who don’t like going to the dentist!
Stacey GentilcoreBest dental experience I have ever had. The clinic have a really holistic approach to dental with weighted blankets and a Tv screen on the roof when you recline to watch calming nature documentaries. Would definitely recommend if you are anxious about going to the dentist!
Laura BonacciI had Marcus for the first time as my dentist and he was so nice and calm. He voice is so soothing and knows what he is doing. He listens and understands the customers needs and has a excellent helper on the side! Vanessa was also a brilliant lady, helping Marcus with cleaning and assisting the mouth. Lovely experience for the first time too and will definitely come back for a check-up again in a few months.
Jonathan SuLeave your details below and we will contact you to schedule your appointment!
Dental emergencies often arise at the most inconvenient times and require immediate professional attention. Common emergencies include:
