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Dental Q&A: Knocklyon orthodontist Dr Lian O’Dwyer

Braces have come a long way in recent years, and now there is a varied choice for both children and adults when it comes to specialized orthodontic work, according to our Knocklyon orthodontist Dr Lian O’Dwyer

 

How do I know if my child needs braces?

There are many reasons why a child might benefit from braces. Often, your child’s dentist will be the first to notice problems during a regular visit and recommend that you see a specialist orthodontist. The orthodontist can decide whether your child does indeed need braces and which devices would be best.

Some signs that a child may benefit from braces include:

  • Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth
  • Difficulty in chewing or biting
  • Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
  • Jaws that shift or make sounds
  • Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
  • Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
  • Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face

What causes the need for braces?

Sometimes tooth and jaw problems can be caused by losing baby teeth too soon, accidents, or habits like thumb sucking. If there is not enough room in the jaws for the teeth they become crowed or crooked. Often tooth and jaw problems are inherited, so if you or someone in your family needed braces, it’s likely that your kids will too.

At what age should my child be examined for orthodontic care?

Some children may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation as young as age 5 or 6 and others can wait until the baby teeth have fallen out and the permanent teeth are coming into place (ages 10-13).

Your general or pediatric dentist will help you determine the best time for evaluation and treatment. The Orthodontic Society of Ireland recommends that you bring your child for an orthodontic assessment at approximately 7 or 8 years of age.

Starting the process early doesn’t mean a child will get braces right away. It just means the orthodontist will be able to assess the child’s situation and decide the best time to start treatment.

What is the best age to be fitted with braces?

The best age varies from patient to patient. Orthodontic treatment most commonly begins between ages 8 and 14. Children in this age range have at least some permanent teeth and are still growing.

Some problems, however, are best addressed early, even while mostly baby teeth are present. A specialist orthodontist will be able to advise you on the appropriate time to start any treatment that may be indicated. It is never too late to have treatment.  As long as your teeth and gums are healthy there is no age limit to treatment, and an increasing number of adults are availing of the benefits of orthodontics.

What types of braces are available?

  • Traditional/Metal braces
    Metal braces continue to be the most popular choice for children and adolescents. The individual brackets are cemented to each tooth and an archwire is attached to apply a continuous gentle pressure to the teeth.
  • Clear/Ceramic braces
    Ceramic or “clear braces” are tooth coloured so that they blend in with your teeth and are much less noticeable than metal braces. For this reason they are very popular with adult patients.
  • Invisalign™ clear aligners
    Invisalign™ braces straighten teeth using a series of clear plastic aligners which are custom-made for your mouth. They are popular with adults as the aligners are removable and are barely visible. Ask your orthodontist if you are a candidate for the Invisalign brace system.
  • Removable appliances and Functional appliances
    • Removable braces are mostly used in early orthodontic treatments for children such as to correct a single tooth, expanding the dental arch or to correct deep bites. Sometimes they are used prior to fixed braces.
    • A functional appliance is a removable brace that is used in growing children to help reposition the lower jaw in a more forward position. They are typically used in children who have an “increased overjet” i.e. a large gap between their top and bottom teeth and often a lower jaw which is “short” compared to the upper jaw.

Dr Lian O’Dwyer is an Orthodontist in Dental Care Ireland based in Knocklyon Shopping Centre. To book an appointment with Dr O’Dwyer click this link or contact 01 493 6909