The Benefits of Orthodontic Braces

Orthodontic braces fix problems with the alignment of the upper and lower jaws and with the spacing of teeth. They may also be the best thing that ever happened to you or your child. The time and effort you invest in orthodontic treatment will result in a lifetime of improved oral health and, of course, a winning smile.

Many Benefits of Braces

Self-esteem and confidence that come from looking one’s best are two important reasons to consider braces, but the benefits of braces go well beyond pure aesthetics. Braces ensure correct bite and tooth alignment which has many positive side-effects; including:

• Improved ability to chew food
• Alleviation of speech impairment
• Easier to brush, clean and floss teeth
• Reduced cavities and periodontal disease
• Reduced grinding and chipping of teeth
• Reduced risk of injury from protruding teeth

Braces can establish the foundation for a lifetime of improved oral health while helping you and your children look their best.

How to Know if Your Child Needs Braces?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic screening no later than age seven. By this age it will be clear if a child has any malocclusions, or jaw alignment problems in which the upper and lower jaws are not the same size. Some malocclusions are extremely common, like overcrowding of either or both of the jaws. The earlier the orthodontic evaluation, the quicker we can determine if braces are required and what treatment plan is best. With overcrowding, some kids’ teeth will grow into their expanding mouths without problems; others’ will continue to be squeezed, which can pose problems later on if not corrected. Other malocclusions include open bite, in which the upper and lower lines of teeth do not meet each other in the middle of the mouth, crossbite, where the upper and lower teeth do not line up evenly with each other, and overbite and underbite, in which the upper jaw is larger than the lower or vice versa. At an orthodontic evaluation, our team will assess your child’s occlusions and recommend whether braces are needed.

The Braces Timeline

Braces for kids can be recommended in one or two phases depending on the developmental stage of the child’s teeth. These phases of treatment are sometimes recommended in cases where the primary teeth are likely to negatively impact the arrival of permanent teeth. In these cases, we recommend a first round of braces sometime between ages seven and ten when the jaw bones and palette are more pliable and space can be preserved for permanent teeth. The second stage, after about age twelve, is the traditional braces phase. Adolescent braces at this stage straighten the permanent teeth to their optimal alignment and help craft the perfect smile. Both Phases of Treatment can range from 9 months to 30 months or longer, depending on severity of each diagnosis. Regardless, braces will create the conditions for well-aligned teeth, which will lead to improved oral health, chewing and speech, as well as a beautiful face.

And, braces don't have to break the bank. Learn more about how to afford braces.

Not a kid anymore? Learn about our adult orthodontics.

To learn more, schedule an orthodontic evaluation today.