Braces are the most commonly used orthodontic treatment, helping address a wide range of problems, from misaligned and crooked teeth to gaps or crowded teeth. While some of these issues may seem purely cosmetic, many actually interfere with speech development and eating abilities, making it important to detect and address them early. While there’s no fixed age for children to get braces due to variations in growth, it’s generally best to fit them before puberty and its growth spurts. This means visiting an accredited orthodontist as soon as the first permanent teeth appear.

Getting your child accustomed to dental visits early is also the first step to help overcome any fear of dentists, which can be problematic later in life.

Before you talk to an orthodontist, it will also help to understand the different types of braces available today and the pros and cons of each. This will allow you to have a more productive discussion with your child’s orthodontist before making any decision.

Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Braces

Metal Braces: Durable and Effective for All Cases

Traditionally, all dental braces were made from metal and they remain widely used to this day. Made from medical-grade stainless steel and comprising wires and brackets, these braces work through the precise application of pressure and force that gradually shifts the teeth into the desired position. Metal brackets are glued to each individual tooth, with a metal wire linking them together – this is called the archwire.

As the teeth move, elastic bands that hold the wire in place would need to be adjusted periodically during dental visits.

Why Choose Metal Braces?

Metal braces are popular for their affordability and effectiveness, especially in severe cases involving bite issues, teeth misalignment, overcrowding, and other problems that require extensive tooth movement. Other types of braces may not be effective in such situations. Unlike traditional metal braces, heat-activated archwires in modern varieties use body heat to adjust gently, reducing discomfort during tooth movement.

Challenges of Using Metal Braces

The main downside to metal braces is that they have high visibility and can make kids awkward and self-conscious. Additionally, they can complicate oral hygiene because of the need to clean brackets, wires, and teeth individually, with careful brushing after all meals. You would also need to use dental hygiene tools such as flossers and interdental brushes to maintain hygiene. Dietary restrictions are another challenge for kids as foods such as hard and chewy sweets, chewing gum, nuts, and popcorn, are all off-limits.

Ceramic Braces: Aesthetic and Functional

Ceramic braces function just like metal braces but use ceramic or porcelain brackets paired with metal wires. As these materials are clear colored or tooth colored, they are less noticeable and are a preferable choice for adolescents and teenagers who are more likely to be self-conscious. As their design is exactly the same as metal braces, they are just as effective and can be used for serious dental issues too.

Another advantage of ceramic braces is that they are less likely to pose problems with diagnostic imaging such as MRI as compared to metal braces.

Pros and Cons of Ceramic Braces

The downside of ceramic braces is that they are comparatively expensive and require careful maintenance. The brackets tend to be larger, susceptible to staining, and more fragile, which means that they need special attention and may not be the best choice for younger children. For the same reason, these types of braces are usually used for the upper front teeth, rather than for the lower teeth. As with metal braces, kids using ceramic braces need to adhere to dietary restrictions.

Invisible Braces: Discreet and Convenient for Kids

Invisible braces have grown popular in recent years, as innovations in technology have made them more effective and affordable. High quality invisible braces now come with a variety of attachments and add-ons, making them useful for a wider range of dental issues. These types of braces are made with a series of customized clear plastic aligners that can be worn over the teeth. The aligners must be replaced periodically as the teeth move into place to achieve the required results.

Benefits & Limitations of Invisible Braces

Invisible braces are the ideal choice for kids and teens who have minor to moderate dental problems as they don’t affect appearances in any way. Aside from their obvious cosmetic benefits, invisible braces are easy to remove and replace, making dental hygiene simple. This also eliminates the need for severe dietary restrictions that are required for traditional braces. While previously expensive,

invisible braces are now comparable in cost to metal braces, making them an affordable alternative for most people.

Did you choose braces for your child? Which type worked best for you and your budget?

Teenage girl seated in orthodontist chair. Text reads choosing the right braces for your child.