The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children have their first orthodontia appointment by age 7. The reason, according to the AAO, is that developmental problems such as cross bites or narrow jaw can best be treated while the bones are still growing. Treatment in the teen years can focus on straightening and perfecting, and the treatment time will be shorter if structural problems were already addressed. Not everyone needs early orthodontia, however, but whenever your child gets braces, there are a number of options to choose from.
Metal
Improvements in bonding materials have made metal braces far less painful than they were in the late 20th century. Older orthodontic treatment involved wrap-around bands that encircled the teeth, to which the brackets and wires were attached. Until the 1980s, bands were most often used on back teeth while brackets were adhered directly to the visible teeth. Modern braces eliminate the need for bands entirely.
In 2010, metal braces are smaller, smoother and more comfortable than in years past, resulting in less pain to the lips and an easier time keeping the teeth clean. Pain still occurs, but it should be confined to the initial application and the monthly tightening appointments.
Ceramic Clear
Ceramic clear braces work in the same way as their shiny metal counterparts. The appliance is affixed to the tooth by means of a clear adhesive, and the orthodontist threads a wire through the brackets, which is then held in place by a ligature for each tooth. They are often smaller than metal brackets, and from a distance, it is nearly impossible to tell that the wearer has braces at all.
Invisible Braces
Invisible braces attach to the back of the teeth. They are custom designed from molds taken of the teeth at the orthodontist's office. They are not always recommended for young children, but older teens who have no remaining deciduous or "baby" teeth are prime candidates.
The customization involves a computer-aided design that accounts for the current state of the teeth and the orthodontist's desired movement, so they can be more expensive than traditionally mounted braces.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a brand-name system approved by the AAO for most orthodontic objectives, though your orthodontist can tell you if the system is right for you. They function more like retainers than traditional braces.
Clear plastic molds are custom designed for each stage of the treatment. The patient wears the molds, which are nearly invisible and cover the entire surface area of the teeth, for a specified period. When those molds have done their job, say after a month, the patient receives a new set for the next stage of treatment. The benefit is that they can be removed to brush and floss the teeth, and they don't change your child's appearance as dramatically as metal braces would. The disadvantage is that all that customizing is expensive. Invisalign treatments cost, on average, about 25 percent more than traditional orthodontia, according to Smart Money Magazine, and that doesn't include the cost of lost appliances.
