As a parent, one of your goals is to make sure your child has the best oral health possible. Thus, you’re eager to have any bite flaws corrected to prevent any further complications and to boost your child’s confidence. The most effective way of addressing an improper bite is with braces in New Britain, but when should you start the treatment process? The answer to that question and other valuable information is provided as you continue reading.
Why Bite Issues Need to be Corrected
Statistics show that 90% of school-age children have some form of malocclusion (teeth that improperly meet), and 10% of that population needs corrective treatment.
The following explains why it’s so important for them to receive orthodontic care:
- Jaw Pain – Malocclusion can also cause jaw misalignment and a condition called TMJ disorder, which is the inflammation of the joint that opens and closes the jaw.
- Poor Digestion – Teeth that improperly occlude can also hinder the digestion process. That’s because food won’t be evenly distributed when chewed, which means less nutrients will be extracted.
- Lost Confidence – Children’s formative years are crucial to their physical, psychological and emotional development. An unattractive bite could bring about depression and lower self-esteem.
- Premature Wear – Another problem with poorly occluding teeth is there can be premature wear, which could lead to tooth loss in the future if not corrected.
The last thing you want is for your child to suffer, so you’re eager for him or her to have braces placed. You first want to establish when it’s the right time to seek treatment.
What Age Should Braces be Placed?
It’s recommended that your child receive braces between the ages of 10 and 14. At this stage of development, the head and mouth are still growing, which makes it the optimal time to make bite corrections.
How to Get the Process Started
To set your child on a course for a functional and appealing smile, you’ll first need to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. The specialist will conduct an examination of your child’s teeth, which includes capturing X-rays and bite impressions.
A complete treatment protocol is then developed, and if agreed upon, the braces can sometimes be placed the same day.
A Way to Remove a Burden
The thought that your child has a bite issue that could possibly lead to other oral health problems, attract harmful ridicule and decrease his or her confidence, can be a mighty burden to bear. With the placement of braces and the expert care of an orthodontist in New Britain, your child will be on the road to a beautiful and healthy smile, and you’ll have more peace-of-mind!
About the Author
Dr. Meghan Alexander is a graduate of the University of Connecticut. She then went on to receive specialty training in orthodontics at the University of Rochester. Dr. Alexander combines compassion, expertise and a constant drive to provide the absolute best care to help children enjoy an aesthetically-pleasing and fully-functional smile at Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. She can be reached for more information through her website.