Why Young People Can Benefit from Braces

Some of us were born with perfect teeth, while others had to go through orthodontic treatment to correct them. However, you arrived at your smile and straight teeth, be glad that someone was looking out for you, and made the correct decisions early on so that you could benefit from them. Orthodontists don’t just create amazing smiles; they correct abnormal bites and prevent other oral health problems from occurring by installing braces. In this way, orthodontists can be miracle workers that often don’t get enough credit. In fact, since abnormal bites usually become noticeable between the ages of 6 and 12, orthodontic treatment often begins between ages 7 and 14. While this is outside the range of what is commonly thought of as the braces years (adolescence), it doesn’t mean it is any less important.

Today, we’re going to talk about how braces can help correct some of these early problems. We’ll also touch on why there’s no need to worry about making your child stick out like a sore thumb. There are braces today that are invisible and unnoticeable. By getting your child braces and orthodontic treatment early, you can help prevent a whole host of health problems from entering your child’s life.

Braces Are Not Just About Smiles Anymore

Braces are commonly stereotyped as simply being about the cosmetic aspirations of an individual. Many people think braces are for those who only want straight teeth and a bright smile. Some even think that braces provide no health benefits. This could not be further from the truth. As time goes on, orthodontists are only too happy to provide the public with more information about how braces can help prevent some common oral health problems.

Orthodontists Fix Malocclusions and More

Moving forward with braces treatment can be for many reasons, but one of the most common is to correct a malocclusion (overbite or underbite). This is when the teeth don’t align properly and are outsized for their other half. Besides being uncomfortable, it can lead to improper chewing, teeth grinding, and tension headaches if not treated properly. It’s much easier to treat when your child is young and their teeth are still coming in (and therefore, easier to correct), than when things are more set-in-stone.

Another common problem that braces can fix is the numerous gaps or crevices that crooked teeth create. While you may not think that they look unsightly (or even perhaps adore them in a cute way), these gaps and crevices are a breeding ground for bacteria and stray food to get stuck and fester. Combine this with improper brushing habits, or the inability to pull this food out, and you’ve got a major problem when gingivitis or other periodontal disease develops. This can become a health concern if the gums get cut and infected, which is easier to prevent with braces. By aligning the teeth and practicing better oral hygiene habits, you can avoid this concern.

Your Child Doesn’t Have to Stick Out – Invisalign

Many parents object to putting braces on their children at an early age because they don’t want them to stick out or be different. Orthodontists are used to hearing this by now and are only too happy to offer “invisible solutions” such as clear aligners (Invisalign) or lingual braces (InBrace) that perform the exact same function as traditional metal braces without being so visible. This can allow your child to get the help they need and learn about oral hygiene without becoming visibly different.

Braces: Preventing Future Problems

Now that you know about how getting braces for your child can help prevent future health problems, only you can make the choice of what’s best for them. Even better, there are numerous choices available from orthodontists that allow the child’s treatment to continue without impacting their aesthetics or making them stick out in an awkward way. From lingual braces to clear aligners, there are “invisible ways” to get your child this treatment without causing them to become upset. Consider this an investment not only in their wonderful smile but their future overall health.