Braces are incredibly common among teens, but that doesn’t mean understanding all the how’s and why’s behind the orthodontics is quite as universal. From cause to procedure, there is a lot of information involved with braces; however, learning about braces doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
What Causes a Need For Braces?
While some reasons for needing braces are obvious, like correcting the appearance of a crooked or gapped smile, the most important reasons for needing braces are a little less conspicuous. A crowded or misaligned jaw left untreated can lead to painful, costly dental problems down the line. Tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, affected speech and chewing, abnormal wear to enamel, and severe jaw problems are all potential results of ignoring an abnormal bite. Luckily, braces are a simple, routine solution that result in a healthy bite and beautiful smile.
What Age is Ideal For Braces?
Timing is incredibly important to the effectiveness of your teen’s braces; waiting too long can worsen the abnormal bite and prolong treatment time while increasing costs. Signs of an abnormal bite appear between the ages of six and 12, and beginning to treat these signs as your child grows is essential to preventing more severe problems down the road. This does not mean that adults can’t get braces, though. Some previously straight teeth shift with age or a bite may become overcrowded with time, and some adults choose braces to correct bite problems never dealt with during childhood.
How Long Do You Wear Braces?
No two bites are the same, so wear-time for braces varies from mouth to mouth. Most treatment plans range anywhere from one to three years if problems are caught and addressed in a timely fashion. Luckily, braces are easy to get accustomed to and extremely common among teens and tweens.
Orthodontics in Nashville, TN
Cornerstone Family Dentistry in Nashville offers bilingual orthodontic care for children and teens. No matter your background, our staff can help keep your smile healthy and beautiful.