Braces: Who, Why, and When?

Patients often come into our office with many unanswered questions regarding braces. Who actually needs braces? How will braces help my teeth? When should I get them put on, and how long will they have to stay? These are perfectly understandable questions! After all, your smile is at stake here. We want to make sure that all of our patients are thoroughly prepared to make informed decisions regarding orthodonture. Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions when it comes to braces and answer them for you.

Does your child need braces?

That depends on a number of factors. We look for several signs that your child may benefit from braces. For example, if your child has crowded or overlapping teeth, if they exhibit difficulty chewing or biting, or if they did any thumb or finger sucking when they were younger, then they may be an ideal candidate for orthodontic intervention.

Why should your child have braces?

While dentists focus on tooth and gum health and overall cleanliness, orthodontists specialize in the structure of the mouth and jaw. Teeth that are crowded or misaligned can be difficult to keep clean. Moreover, the presence of an overbite or underbite can severely affect the overall health and efficiency of your mouth. Orthodonture can help resolve these issues. Not to mention, braces will improve your smile and boost your self-confidence.

At what age should my child get braces?

Not every child is the same. Some can and should get them as early as 7 years old, while others should wait until their early adolescence. It’s important to begin braces treatment while the child is still young, as their head and their mouth are still growing. This makes it much easier and less uncomfortable for braces to straighten and correct the teeth.

How long do the braces need to stay on?

This is entirely dependent on the severity of the corrections that need to be made. It could take anywhere from a year and a half to three years of adjustment and readjustment to finalize the treatment. Your orthodontist should be able to provide a rough estimate at the start of the process.

Do You Have Questions? Reach Out!

If you have nay further questions when it comes to braces and orthodonture, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Noble Orthodontics! Maybe you’re looking to straighten and correct your child’s smile. We would love to meet with you and get started. Call or send us a message today!