Are you trying to decide if your child needs braces? Are you thinking about braces for yourself but aren’t sure if you really need them? As a first step, review the list below. If you experience or see any of these signs, you or your child may benefit from braces:
Difficulty biting or chewing
Misplaced, overlapping, protruding, or crowded teeth
Upper and lower teeth don’t meet
Inability to close lips comfortably
Jaws that crackle, have unusual shifts, extend or recess
Continual biting of the inside of cheeks
Difficulty with speech
These conditions can affect self-confidence and self-esteem. We all want a beautiful smile, and wearing braces is an effective solution. Schedule a free consultation with the team at Mountain View Orthodontics in Roanoke, VA to confirm that braces are the right choice for you or your child.
Reasons Why People Need Braces
During their orthodontic evaluation, many of our patients ask why they need braces. Here are some of the more common reasons:
The causes of teeth misalignment are usually inherited.Genetics determine the shape and size of your jaw and your teeth. When a jaw has insufficient room for teeth, overcrowding occurs, or the upper and lower jaw may not line up.
Younger children who suck their thumbs or fingers may cause their teeth to shift. Losing baby teeth early or late can affect the alignment of adult teeth.
Accidents, dental decay, grinding or clenching teeth, and poor nutrition can affect your jaw and your teeth.Pain or difficulty with chewing also reflects misalignment.
Mountain View Orthodontics will share insights about the factors driving you or your child’s need for braces. Based on our findings, we’ll recommend an appropriate treatment plan and schedule.
The Right Age for Braces
Braces are available for children, teens, and adults. We typically don’t apply braces to children younger than 7 years old, since their adult teeth are just beginning to emerge. We will, however, evaluate younger children and suggest preventative treatment to help with potential problems.
The most common age for braces is between 10 and 14 years old. At this age, your child’s head and mouth are still growing, and teeth are maneuverable. Your pre-teen or teenager is also old enough to handle the responsibility of good braces hygiene: brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. He or she will understand which foods to avoid eating to protect braces and wires and can tell you about any aches or pains.
Braces will improve your child’s smile, but depending on their circumstances, orthodontic treatment can also affect your child’s facial appearance. Even though braces are common among pre-teens and teens, the Mountain View Orthodontics team remembers the sensitivity of those ages. That’s why we counsel parents to talk with their child before moving forward with braces.
The Benefits of Braces
In addition to boosting spirits, an aligned bite and straight teeth benefit overall health. Our patients are able to chew food correctly, leading to better digestion and absorption of nutrients. We're an essential part of your health care team!
The slower pace of summer makes now the right time to schedule your evaluation. Let us begin creating a healthy, beautiful smile for you or your child. Call Mountain View Orthodontics in Roanoke, VA to make your appointment today.