Why Is it Best to Start Orthodontic Treatment Young?

One of the best things about orthodontics is that it’s an ageless practice. Anyone can start orthodontic treatment at any time of their life to get the results they are looking for. It’s a great way to improve your self-esteem and the health of your mouth, jaw, and gut. The best orthodontist will be able to provide you with your treatment with no issues in the process, no matter your age. So why is treatment primarily targeted toward children or parents for their children?

Time

According to Healthline, the average amount of time it takes to wear braces is about two years, but usually falls between one and three years. For clear aligners or Invisalign, this time may be a bit longer than the average time a patient would wear braces. The best orthodontist for you will allow you to properly experience a full teeth realignment without rushing the process. Depending on the severity of your misalignment, the time of your treatment will vary. But overall, time is primarily influenced by age. Even a severe tooth misalignment in a child’s mouth will move easier and with less resistance than misaligned adult teeth. Why is that?

Children’s permanent teeth grow over the course of multiple years. Even after all their adult teeth have grown in, their mouth’s elasticity is still strong. Their teeth have not fully developed, and the bones are more pliable. An adult’s teeth take longer to move around due to their full development and their lack of pliability. Their teeth are moveable, as many more adults are beginning their orthodontic journey every day. However, it’s more convenient to move the teeth when the patient is younger.

Health

The majority of people do not realize how misaligned teeth can impact your health. Having misaligned teeth can influence tooth, gum, and jaw health. If teeth are crowded together or crooked, it makes it difficult to clean them properly. Without proper cleaning, tooth decay, gingivitis, or tooth infection that spreads to the jaw bone can occur over time. With an aligned mouth at a young age, the risk of potential infection decreases significantly.

Along with that, having misaligned teeth can lead to more misalignments in the body. Having a misaligned bite can significantly impact your jaw alignment. A misaligned jaw can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder, also called TMJ disorder. Misaligned teeth can also affect chewing. Improper chewing can cause issues with digestion, which can impact your gut health. Fixing these orthodontic issues at a young age can not only create a beautiful smile but can improve your health later in life.

If you’re looking for the best orthodontist around, contact Tru Smile Orthodontics today to start your orthodontic journey, no matter your age!