smile blog

When children get the orthodontic treatment they need at a young age, they unlock several important benefits that you might not have considered. Besides getting a beautiful healthy smile they can proudly show off to the world, orthodontic treatment for children often results in more stable results, increases overall health and can boost self-esteem and confidence. Read on to discover how orthodontic treatment can have such positive effects.

Mouth Health

Braces don’t just align teeth, they also rotate teeth slightly and close any gaps. These outcomes help your child maintain high levels of oral hygiene because there will be fewer places for bacteria and debris to collect and lead to cavities, gum disease and other ailments. When a child’s teeth are optimally aligned, brushing and flossing is easier, more effective and a more enjoyable experience.Younger patients naturally have an easier time maintaining stable results than older patients. This is due to the fact that orthodontic treatment, when undertaken at a young age, occurs during a period of growth when teeth, jaws and bones would already be moving into new positions. This helps the bones and teeth adjust to their newly aligned and rotated positions as a part of the growth process. This can greatly reduce the chances that teeth will need to be extracted or jaw surgery would be recommended later in life.

General Health

Many people don’t take into account the link between mouth health and general health when they consider orthodontic treatment. Did you know that getting a healthy smile can help you to prevent or reduce jaw, neck and head pain? Orthodontic treatment can also help prevent lifestyle related diseases, including heart disease which has been linked to poor oral hygiene.Further, by aligning their bites, patients will be able to chew their food much more efficiently. This makes it much easier for the digestive system to breakdown and process food. The effect is that their bodies have an easier time extracting the nutrients from food, resulting in a higher absorption rate and overall healthier bodies.

Self-Esteem

When your child receives the orthodontic treatment they need, they don’t just get a healthy smile that will last a lifetime: they also get an immeasurable self-esteem boost that make a world of difference during those particularly image conscious years.Studies have clearly shown a link between children who received the orthodontic treatment they needed and a reported reduction in anxiety. Children who receive treatment also see a simultaneous increase in confidence and happiness. In contrast, the same studies also show that children who could benefit from treatment but who do not receive it do not experience the same improvements, continuing to struggle with self-esteem.As you can see, orthodontic treatment can have an important and life-long impact on a child’s mental and physical well-being. For this reason, the Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist for a consultation by the age of 7. Few children begin treatment at this age, but by having an orthodontist examine their development, issues that are likely to cause on-going problems can be identified and planned for--prior to them becoming too complex.When you’re ready to discover how your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment, visit your nearest Docbraces for your FREE consultation.