Metal Braces

At Murray Hill Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we are big fans of Invisalign, but there are cases when metal braces are the faster, better, or only option. If this is true for your kiddo, NYC orthodontist Dr. Kinoian can fit them with mini metal braces for a remarkable transformation. When malocclusion (crooked teeth) is complicated by jaw alignment issues or bite problems, metal braces may be secondary to other treatments. Please don’t worry though! We’ll collaborate with you to come up with a clear treatment plan for your child that works for your family.

Why are braces important?

Why does your child need braces? Does it really matter whether their teeth are straight?

Hygiene

Aside from the obvious aesthetic reasons to straighten teeth, braces deliver a number of health-related benefits, beginning with hygiene. Put simply: straight, uncrowded teeth are easier to keep clean. Crooked teeth, on the other hand, can make flossing difficult, leaving food trapped between them where bacteria can congregate and cause bad breath, gum disease, or tooth decay.

Avoid Cavities and Gum Disease

Ultimately, if your child has straight teeth, they are likely to spend fewer hours under the dentist’s drill or (yikes!) the periodontist’s laser than if their teeth remain crowded or crooked. Eventually in adulthood, tooth decay can lead to bone loss, requiring bone grafting, implants, or bridges.

Improve Digestion

In extreme cases where the child’s bite is misaligned, there can be digestive woes. Food that isn’t chewed thoroughly may cause tummy troubles that don’t even seem related to their teeth.

Prevent Injury

A nice row of properly aligned teeth creates a wall of protection for the soft gum and tongue tissue inside the mouth, but when some teeth protrude, that wall is compromised. Furthermore, the teeth that stick out are more vulnerable to sports injuries, accidental impacts, and grapples with gravity.

If you think your child may need braces or Invisalign, book a consultation with us today to find out how we can help them get their best, healthiest smile!