Braces for Kids

Is there any specific age to initiate orthodontics?

Albeit any age is good for an orthodontic treatment, there is a most favorable age for it. If your kid gets the treatment at this age, s/he will get the optimum results in least time period and you will have to spend the least money on the treatment. As per the recommendation of The American Association of Orthodontists, the treatment must be initiated just after the first symptom of orthodontic condition or prior to the age of 7 years. Though an early age like this may not be in need of an orthodontic procedure, still care should be taken to examine and tell the best time to commence the treatment.

How does an early orthodontic evaluation prove to be helpful?

Early examination helps in terms of both identification of problem in time and thereby greater chances of treatment to be effective. Cautious intercession minimizes the possibility of forthcoming difficulties by encouraging growth and development. When there is no necessity of orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist can just supervise the growth and development and when the situation becomes ideal, he or she can start the treatment.

In what way is age 7 the most appropriate for screening?

In the 7th year of age, the adult molars emerge for the first time and back bite is established. This is the apt time for an orthodontist to evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth association. If we take an example of the newly emerged incisors, they can foretell the orthodontist that problems such as crowding, gummy smiles, overbite or open bite will appear in future. If screening is done in time, the chances of a pleasant smile increase.

In what way is the interceptive treatment beneficial?

Interceptive treatment is useful in innumerable ways, e.g., it creates room for the erupting teeth that are crowded, brings about symmetry in face by influencing growth of the jaw, decreases the chances of trauma to the projecting front teeth, makes room for the unborn teeth and diminishes the necessity of tooth removal and time duration with braces.

Is orthodontic treatment necessary for you?

Orthodontics is not meant just for cosmetic purposes; orthodontic treatment rectifies bad bites or malocclusions to significant extent. Malocclusions are the result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions have influence on your feeling about smile, chewing and cleaning of teeth.

Why are malocclusions required to be corrected?

Several problems can arise due to untreated malocclusions, according to the study by The American Association of Orthodontists. It is quite difficult to clean or floss the crowded teeth properly, which can give rise to tooth decay and/or gum problems. Especially, protruding teeth are more vulnerable to abrupt chipping. Crossbites can eventually create displaced tooth wear and unsuitable growth. Openbites are the creators of problems like hampering of speech and tongue-thrusting habit. Eventually, orthodontics does much more for you than just offering you a beautiful smile; it gives rise to a healthier you.