Start Your New Year with Braces for Perfect Smile

Jan 01, 2021

Braces have been around for decades, but things keep on changing as time goes by. For example, a few years ago, braces were for kids and used to be uncomfortable. Now, braces are for everyone, and even metal braces are comfortable. In this blog, we will discuss braces for kids in detail to help you make an informed decision.

Who Needs Braces?

Typically, braces are used to straighten misaligned teeth and correct wide gaps between teeth. They can be used by people of all ages but are most popular among kids between seven and sixteen. If you are not sure if your child is a perfect candidate for braces, here are a few indicators.

  • Overcrowded teeth
  • She’s facing difficulties while eating because of crossbites, overbites, or underbites.
  • She has crooked teeth.
  • Her jaw is making sounds while she eats. The sound is often an early sign of a jaw problem fixable through orthodontic treatment.
  • She bites her cheek constantly or hit the roof of her mouth.

By getting braces, you will enhance your child’s smile, which comes with many benefits. That’s why you should strive to take your child to the orthodontist in 2021. New Year, New You should be the slogan.

Interceptive Orthodontics

Typically, most children begin their orthodontic journey when they are around 14 years old. That’s because a 14-year old child has all her permanent teeth, and orthodontic treatment deals with permanent teeth.

However, the ADA recommends starting orthodontic treatment as early as seven. Starting orthodontic treatment early is what is referred to as interceptive orthodontic treatment. Yes, your child will still need to wear braces when she’s 14, but the experience will be much comfortable.

As the name suggests, the dentist will “intercept” most orthodontic problems and deal with them as early as possible. By doing so, it will be easier to correct problems with braces when the time comes.

Remember, some extreme orthodontic problems can fail to respond to braces at a later stage. But with interceptive orthodontics, the dentist will prevent problems from becoming extreme.

Benefits of orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics comes with several benefits, and it is always worth the cost. If you are not convinced, here are a few benefits of the treatment.

Improves Digestion

It is crucial for your teeth to chew food to the tiniest bits for proper digestion. Unfortunately, when a person’s teeth are misaligned, it becomes quite challenging to chew food into the desired size. Subsequently, the stomach finds it difficult to digest larger chunks of food, making most of it go to waste.

Getting orthodontic treatment fixes the misalignment problem. When teeth are properly aligned, it will be easy to chew food into the tiniest bits, improving digestion.

Improves Oral Health

It is particularly difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene when one has overcrowded teeth. It becomes challenging to remove all food particles between teeth, encouraging the formation of cavity-causing acids. When teeth are properly aligned, it becomes quite easy to brush and floss your teeth, improving your oral hygiene.

Improves Speech

Typically, our teeth help with the pronunciation of words. That’s why it is impossible for someone to speak properly when they miss a few front teeth. Similarly, when you have misaligned teeth, it becomes difficult to pronounce some letters, which in turn affects speech. Fixing the misalignment through braces can help enhance speech.

Boosts Confidence

A seven-year old may be too young to worry about her smile, but by the time she’s 15, it will be a big deal. If her smile isn’t as impressive as her friends, it can affect her confidence, which can, in turn, affect her performance in school.

But when she has a beautiful smile, she will be full of confidence, and it will be easier for her to make friends. Also, it will make her a happier person since smiling releases endorphins (feel-good chemicals). With a beautiful smile, she will smile more, making her a happier person.

Protects the Jawbone

Overcrowded and misaligned teeth make it challenging to maintain proper hygiene, encouraging bacteria formation in the mouth. Bacteria attack the enamel as well as the jawbone, which can lead to bone loss. Get your child braces this New Year and protect her jawbone.

Kids First Dental (Lancaster)

If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Lancaster, Dr. Leonardo Koerich is here for you. We provide high-quality services, and we accept major insurances. Our services are pocket-friendly, and we are accepting new patients. Book an appointment now.

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