What to know about getting braces for your kid

The ideal time to start your child on braces if they are needed, is when their permanent teeth are all in, which should be around their early teens. — Positive Parenting

Did you have to wear dental braces during your childhood?

What about your child? Do you think they need braces too?

Dental braces are devices that are fitted inside the mouth to apply mild, steady pressure on the teeth.

Over time, this slowly moves the teeth into a straighter, more proper position.

Braces are used to correct various orthodontic issues (e.g. misaligned teeth).

They are often installed by orthodontists, who are dentists specialised in preventing and correcting jaw and teeth alignment problems, but general dentists may offer the service too.

Usually, braces are worn by children and teens, but adults can use them too.

There are different types of braces available, such as:

• Metal braces
• Ceramic braces
• Self-ligating braces, and
• Lingual braces (worn on the back side of teeth).

There are also clear aligners, which are an alternative to braces.

A need for braces

Children may need braces for many reasons, but they typically involve orthodontic issues like:

• Crooked teeth
• Overlapping teeth
• Overcrowding teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Missing teeth
• Extra teeth
• Bite problems (i.e. problems with the way teeth fit together, e.g. overbite or underbite)
• Misaligned or incorrect jaw position
• A disorder of the jaw joint.

The ideal timing for a child to start wearing braces, if needed, is when their permanent dentition is established at the ages of 12 to 14 years.

However, certain problems can be detected as early as seven to eight years old, so bringing your child to see the dentist early is advisable.

At these ages, the jaws and facial bones are still developing, so they are more flexible.

Adults can also get braces, but it may take a longer time to achieve the result.

The duration depends on the severity of the misalignment, but typically, it takes about two years to complete the braces treatment.

Benefits and side effects

The benefits of wearing braces are as follows:

• Enhances the appearance of teeth, i.e. a straighter, more beautiful smile
• Makes it easier to clean teeth
• Corrects jaw joint disorders
• Improves oral functions like chewing and speaking.

Meanwhile, the side effects include:

• Mild discomfort (usually on the first day and after tightening the braces)
• Trouble eating (especially after a tightening)
• Irritation on the tongue, lips or inner cheeks
• Jaw pain.

Plaque can build up around the brackets and wires of braces, leading to dental problems.

Thus, good oral hygiene is key for those wearing braces.

Teach your child to brush their teeth after every meal and to floss daily.

Bring your child regularly for dental cleanings and check-ups to detect cavities.

They should also avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods.

If they are feeling uncomfortable, give them over-the-counter pain relievers and feed them soft foods.

Associate Professor Dr Ahmad Faisal Ismail is a consultant paediatric dentist. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.