Most people associate braces primarily with early adolescence because, after all, we tend to see a lot more teenagers wearing braces than adults or younger children. Thanks to modern advances in orthodontic technology, people of practically any age can improve their dental health with braces and other straightening treatments.

Many dentists begin to discuss the developing need for corrective orthodontics for children around age seven, but typically treatment may not be necessary until age 10.

Along with improving your smile, there are countless reasons to get braces at any age. Straight and correctly aligned teeth make it easier to keep your teeth clean, and brushing and flossing are more effective. On the other hand, crowded and crooked teeth create many pockets and hard-to-clean places where plaque is prone to grow, thus increasing the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Orthodontic treatment can also improve your speaking ability, and in almost every case, it will enhance the primary function of your teeth—chewing food!

Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or wondering if your child needs braces soon, it is best not to wait. Call us today at (562) 925-3765 to schedule a consultation to see if braces are right for you or your child now. You are closer than you think to a perfect smile!

Children benefit from braces the most because their heads, jaw, and mouth are still developing; they respond better and faster to adjustments and re-alignments of their teeth than the average adult. Watch for any of these things to know if your child should get braces soon:

Don’t be fooled. The benefit of having braces is not limited to simply a better smile and appearance. Most people don’t realize all the incredible benefits from straight teeth. Some of the benefits include overall improvement of oral health, better digestion, prevention of jawbone loss, speech enhancement, and increased confidence.

When you invest in your smile by straightening your teeth with dental braces, you are also investing in a future of healthy teeth and gums. Correctly aligned teeth are much easier to clean because food particles and plaque can be more effectively reached and cleaned off with daily brushing and flossing. There is substantially less risk of cavities and periodontal disease with improved oral hygiene. Your teeth will serve you longer, and you will avoid the added stress and cost of addressing these preventable problems.

It is important to chew and break down food into the smallest possible pieces before digested in the stomach. If your teeth and bite are not aligned properly, and you cannot chew food thoroughly, your stomach must work harder and longer to digest food. Over a lifetime, straight teeth can improve your nutrition and help prevent digestive issues.

Crowding and gaps in teeth expose the jawbone to uneven pressure and, combined with poor oral hygiene, can lead to bone loss. Similarly, teeth that protrude into the mouth at odd angles, or gaps and spaces between teeth, impact how we shape our mouths and tongue to make sounds and talk. Once these issues are removed, you no longer have to compensate and will experience reduced speech problems.

Finally, our self-confidence can be tied to how we feel about our appearance. For example, if you don’t show your teeth when you smile, you might be hiding your teeth to avoid embarrassment, leading to anxiety and reduced self-confidence in social settings. Straightening your teeth will give you a beautiful smile you’re proud to display when talking with others or getting your picture taken. Teeth braces and other orthodontic treatments will also position your teeth into a natural smile that compliments your jaws, lips, and facial structure. If you have more questions, we would be happy to explain all the benefits you can expect with braces or Invisalign in Bellflower.