When your child has crooked, gapped, or uneven teeth, you might be searching for a way to even out their smile. Fortunately, there are dental care treatment options, and braces are one of the most common ways to attain a straight smile. But, what does having braces entail? Is there a right time to get them? Your pediatric dentist can walk you through the process, step-by-step. For the Honolulu, Oahu, and Maui, HI, community, Pedodontic Associates Inc. has been the premier children’s dentistry for over 25 years.

Here, the dental care experts explain everything you need to know about braces:

How Do I Know If I Need Braces?

Start regular dentist visits so that you can determine early on if your child will need braces. If you notice crooked or gapped adult teeth growing in, you should consider braces. Speak with your children’s dentist about your concerns, and they can refer you to the right orthodontist.

When Is the Right Time?

No one time is best for braces, but the conversation will usually begin when most of the adult teeth have grown in. For children, this is from ages 10 to 14 where the mouth is still growing, but permanent teeth are present. The length of time that a patient will have to wear braces varies drastically depending on their dental needs, but one to two years is average. Once braces are removed, your child must wear a retainer to maintain the teeth’s position.

How Do They Work?

Braces are traditionally a bracket that is placed on every tooth and connected with a metal wire. A series of bands can be attached to a few teeth at a time to help with the movement of the teeth into the ideal position. There are also clear trays that can be worn daily to help move teeth. Your dentist will help you select the best option for your child’s age, dental care needs, and desired aesthetic.

For the best pediatric dentistry and dental care in Hawaii, head to Pedodontic Associates Inc. Whether it’s your little one’s first dentist appointment or you’re looking for a comfortable place for your child’s yearly visits, the team is happy to make your family’s experience an enjoyable one. To learn more about the doctor's, visit them online or call (808) 735-1733 for the Honolulu office, (808) 487-7933 for the Aiea location, or (808) 877-0066 for their Kahului office.