Few of us are born with that perfect smile, but modern medicine can get pretty close. Forget your old ideas about orthodontics. Today there are many styles of braces that can help children actually make a fashion statement as their smiles are being perfected. Best of all, straightening teeth, correcting protruding jaws, improving bites, and the other jobs of orthodontics have all become less painful and more successfully done.
Does Your Child Need Braces?
About 80% of children can benefit from braces. Though we tend to think of braces as a route to a beautiful smile, orthodontics can also correct talking or chewing problems. Any of the following signs may indicate that your child needs braces:
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Finger sucking or other oral habits (especially after age six)
- Crowding, misplaced, or blocked out teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Speech difficulty
- Biting the cheek or into the roof of the mouth
- Protruding teeth
- Teeth that meet in an abnormal manner or don’t meet at all
- Facial imbalance
The Benefits of Early Treatment
The impressive thing about orthodontics, and the right specialist, is that the treatments are effective at any age. However, there is something to be said for early treatment. The earlier an orthodontic problem is caught and corrected, faster it can be resolved. Starting early also reduces the amount of time a patient is in treatment, as well as the expense.
In many cases, a child’s pediatric dentist is likely to notice the possibility of an issue. Whether this is the case or not, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends scheduling a consultation with a qualified orthodontist at the first sign of a misalignment, or by the age of seven. Orthodontic treatment may not be necessary or even advisable at this age, but it does allow for further evaluation for possible developments that could lead to orthodontic intervention.
Seven may seem like a young age for this kind of dental attention, but by this age, most children have their first adult molars, and the back bite is established. The first molar milestone allows an orthodontist to see if there appears to be any problems—such as cross bite, under bite, or overbite—that not only affects the appearance of the teeth, but also the way they wear in the future. Inappropriate tooth wear can certainly cause dental problems in the future.
There are several advantages to seeking early orthodontic treatment in addition to establishing a dental history. Early treatment avoids overcrowding of the teeth, reduces risk of damage to protruding front teeth, and reduces the necessity for teeth extraction. It also influences jaw growth, helping to encourage facial symmetry.
An early visit to the orthodontist doesn’t mean your child needs braces. It does mean that a qualified professional is ready and aware of any dental situation that may come up and has your child’s orthodontic health in mind. Schedule a consultation today and be ready for tomorrow with early treatment.
Orthodontics for Adults
Not everyone has the advantage of receiving orthodontic care as a child. Some find themselves in a situation when it has to wait until the teen or adult years. Fortunately, it is never too late to take the necessary steps to create the smile you were born to have. Orthodontics work for everyone—regardless of age—and great strides have been made to reduce the time spent in treatment, as well as the discomfort. More than a quarter of Dr. Jerrold Hennes’ patients are adults.
Many people question why they should bother with orthodontic treatment when things have worked as they are to this point. There is a long list of reasons why choosing treatment now is of great benefit. Making the effort to correct your dental health and smile is a major ego boost. For the person who is self-conscious about their appearance, orthodontic treatment makes a huge difference in feelings of self-esteem and confidence.
Orthodontics goes beyond just improving your appearance. Overcrowded teeth and abnormal bites can cause complicated dental issues down the road for adults and teens. Allowing a qualified orthodontic specialist to help you now can reduce the likelihood of tooth decay and damage to gums and bone as well as reducing TMJ, or jaw pain. A cross bite, under bite, or overbite is often the culprit behind abnormal tooth enamel wear as well.
While everyone knows orthodontic work will improve the appearance of your smile in the long run, it is not unusual for teens and adults to experience concern regarding their appearance during treatment. Only your dental orthodontists can say for sure, but there are number of new treatment methods available, such as translucent braces and clear aligners, that may be used for correction. Make an appointment to Shadowridge Orthodontics today with our orthodontist to learn your options and get started on the path to a perfect, healthy smile.
Orthodontics: A Smart Investment
When you consider the lifelong personal and professional benefits of a healthy, attractive smile, orthodontics is the best investment you’ll ever make. A new smile can increase your self-confidence, improve your appearance, and promote better dental health. The cost of your treatment will depend on your individual problem and the type of appliances needed. Many orthodontic patients require only a limited treatment that gives you the maximum value for your investment. Whatever your needs, our orthodontic office will work with you to develop an affordable financing plan of monthly installments for braces in Vista, California.