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Frequently Asked Questions | Why Braces? | For Children | Two-Phase Treatment | For Adults
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It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and it is the best time for that patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.

Nine Reasons Why Kids Benefit From Braces

Crowded or overlapped teeth can be straightened to create space for permanent teeth and an attractive smile. Straight-teeth are easier to clean and can help reduce gum disease and tooth decay.
Protruding upper front teeth "buck teeth" is a common tooth problem. Protruding teeth can be injured or fractured, and cause speech difficulty.
A deep bite where the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much can lead to painful biting of the roof of the mouth and pushing forward of the upper permanent teeth.
An underbite can lead to biting difficulty jaw shift, tooth edge wear, and abnormal growth of the lower jaw.
An open bite allows the tongue to fit between the upper and lower front teeth. This can be caused by chronic thumb sucking which can also be corrected with orthodontic treatment.
Large gaps between the teeth may be caused by a large muscle attachment between the front teeth and the upper lip. Large gaps between the teeth can lead to childhood teasing which can cause future emotional problems.
Midlines are not centered with each other and the center of the face when there are drifted teeth or a shifted lower jaw producing an improper bite.
Narrow upper jaw width can be associated with open mouth breathing. This condition can lead to painful biting of the side cheeks and can also be a sign of adenoid, allergy, or tonsil problems.
Wear of the teeth can be caused by abnormal tooth grinding. Jaws that click or pop and chronic headaches can also be associated with severe muscle clenching and grinding of the teeth.

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