Can You Put Braces on Baby Teeth?
In most cases, orthodontic braces are not placed on baby teeth since they will fall out and be replaced by adult teeth. There are a few cases where it may be beneficial or necessary to have braces placed on baby teeth, and this article will cover the possible benefits and risks.
Benefits of Braces on Baby Teeth
There are several situations where braces on baby teeth may be beneficial:
- Correcting a malocclusion, or bad bite
- Improving an underbite
- Correcting crowding of baby teeth
- Improving speech
- Aligning the baby teeth for proper adult tooth placement
Risks of Braces on Baby Teeth
It is important to weigh the potential risks associated with braces on baby teeth. These include:
- The risk of root resorption, or the loss of a portion of the baby tooth root
- The risk of accelersting the shedding of the baby teeth
- Increased time in braces
- Damage to the developing permanent teeth
It is important to talk to your dentist or orthodontist to determine if braces on baby teeth are appropriate. They can provide a thorough evaluation to determine if braces are needed and discuss the associated risks and benefits.