Oral health and hygiene is significant in the overall health of an individual. The good news is that orthodontic tech has evolved greatly over the years, thus providing better solutions for dental issues. Technology has seen the evolution of different orthodontic appliances that are utilized when treating kids with braces. Your child may need an orthodontic device if they have issues with their bone or jaw structure to help the teeth and jaw align properly. Orthodontic appliances can also be used to maintain the correct space in the mouth, allowing proper tooth movement and eruption. Pediatric Dentistry Scottsdale helps parents find the best solutions for their children, thus achieving better dental healthcare results. Continue scrolling to discover the various types of orthodontic appliances available for kids.    

Types of Orthodontic appliances for kids

Braces

The most common orthodontic appliances for kids include braces. Braces are popularly used for correcting various dental issues and straightening teeth. While braces fulfil an important function in your kid’s overall treatment, child orthodontics includes more appliances other than braces. Orthodontic appliances typically change the way your kid’s mouth functions by addressing various bone issues. For instance, a headgear will be used to guide the jaw in the right direction. This device will hold the upper jaw until the lower jaw catches up with it. On the other hand, retainers are used after braces removal to help keep the teeth in the right position. Most kids, if not all, use retainers after or during their treatment.

The Nance /Button

Another orthodontic appliance used in kids includes The Nance/ Button. This appliance utilizes a holding arch to maintain the space in the mouth for kids who have lost their teeth and are awaiting permanent teeth to develop. If your kid has lost their teeth prematurely, there are chances that the first molars might grow in an incorrect position. Besides, there is nothing holding them back. Therefore, the Nance is applied to cover the palate section with two metal bands around the back teeth, holding them in position.

Lower Lingual Holding Arch

This device performs similar functions as the Button. However, it is only applicable to the lower teeth. This device helps keep the right spacing until the permanent teeth erupt.

Twin Blocks

This orthodontic appliance is used to correct jaw misalignments that could cause your kid’s upper teeth to stick out in front of the lower teeth, leading to an abnormal gap. The appliance consists of two plates, one for the lower teeth and the other one for the upper teeth. Twin blocks are most effective when applied at a young age when the kid’s bones are still developing. Experts say that they are the fastest-working appliances and give quick results after a short while.

The benefits of utilizing orthodontic treatments for your kids include getting more beautiful and healthy smiles. Visiting your dentist early allows them to discover any underlying oral health problems and provide a prescription early. The earlier, the better. It is best to consult your pediatric dentist for recommendations on the best orthodontic appliances for your kid.