One of the first things that you’ll notice about someone is their smile! A beautiful smile is a striking and very attractive feature. Well-aligned teeth are undoubtedly beautiful, and orthodontic treatment can give you that fabulous smile. A great smile improves your self-esteem, and properly-aligned teeth also allow better function in eating and speaking. Generally people get braces:
- For a great-looking smile.
- To reduce injury to prominent teeth that stick out.
- To improve co-ordination of jaw growth and tooth development.
- For better comfort eating and speaking.
- To improve ones looks and self-esteem. Teeth that are crooked, spaced, protruding (buck teeth) can subject children to teasing and negative social stereotyping. Notice that idiots and villains in cartoons and films are often portrayed as having buck teeth or unattractive smiles.
- To allow teeth to meet properly.
- To straighten teeth and allow better access for cleaning. This can help prevent cavities and improve the health of your gums.
- To correct harmful habits such as thumb-sucking.
When should one get braces?
Age doesn’t matter!
All children should be monitored for proper dental development. Fluoride supplements and proper brushing habits help to reduce the danger of early loss of teeth. Good dental hygiene can either prevent the need for treatment or at least decrease the severity of later problems, hence making later orthodontic treatment easier. Children should have their first orthodontic screening around 7 years old. Interceptive and active treatment can begin as early as 7 years.
There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. Patients in their 60’s and 70’s at Caribbean Smiles have enjoyed the benefits of braces!