As dental technology has advanced, the optimal treatment methods have as well. For years, orthodontic braces were not placed until the patient’s teeth had fully developed, often during teenage years. But now braces can be placed much earlier, often while the teeth are still developing. Early stage correction has had far-reaching benefits for both patients in need of orthodontic services and orthodontists as well.
Early Stage Correction Benefits
While straightening teeth is the objective of dental braces, there are several benefits of having braces installed at an early age.
- Prevent Future Issues: One of the best benefits of early stage correction orthodontic services is the ability to prevent future oral health issues. Preventing any potential problems is far less expensive than treatment will be down the road.
- Improved Appearance: Correcting orthodontic issues early on will give your child a boost in self-esteem and confidence and, of course, improve the look of their teeth.
- Enhance Development: We can also keep an eye on the overall development of your child’s teeth and promote good oral health habits. By encouraging habits like brushing and flossing, children are less likely to have oral health problems later in life.
Misaligned Teeth
Braces are able to correct many problems with misaligned teeth. The most common issues that need correcting are crossbites, overbites, underbites, and crooked teeth. When caught at an early age, proper treatments can be provided to correct these problems. These treatments are usually carried out when the child has a mixture of both baby and permanent teeth.
Additionally, headgears and retainers may be used with early treatment. Headgears can be used to correct larger bite discrepancies that braces alone cannot fix. While not common for children, headgear is typically worn for 12 to 18 months for the majority of the day. Retainers, on the other hand, are quite common in most patients who require braces. Retainers help hold teeth in position after braces have been removed and prevent the teeth from reversing their realignment treatment.
If you or your child are in need of braces due to a misaligned bite, you can contact us here or call us at 469.619.9959 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kraus.
