Early Treatment Benefits
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children should have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7. Intercepting an early orthodontic problem in its early stages will lead to healthy teeth for lifetime. Early diagnosis and treatment can guide erupting teeth into a more favorable position, preserve space for the permanent teeth and reduce the likelihood of fracturing protruded front teeth. Also, early treatment may shorten treatment time; make treatment easier and in some cases less expensive. Appearance has been related to popularity, social behaviors, self-expectation, personality style and self-esteem. Orthodontic therapy may lessen the likelihood that a child will be picked on byother children.
Treatment may reduce appearance-consciousness and the emotional scarring that can occur during critical developmental years. Also, as adolescents enter the sensitive teenage years, they become far less receptive to orthodontic therapy. The early treatment of orthodontic problems is easier physically as well as socially. In youth bones are still changeable. While teeth are still moving, we can better guide them. Also, it is easier to wear braces while other children have them on as well. They are no longer just for children; adults from all walks of life use orthodontics to better their future.
 Reasons for orthodontic therapy: -An improved smile for a child can means increased self-confidence. You already know that braces straighten teeth. But what you may not know is that a beautiful smile is just one of the benefits orthodontics has to offer. Bringing teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment not only produces a great smile, but a healthy one as well.
-Straight teeth simply function better and are easier to clean.
-Increased confidence and self-esteem that a healthy smile provides. This psychological benefit can be a significant factor in the decision to undergo treatment and is often listed as a patients #1 treatment goal. A beautiful smile is a pleasure to own and a pleasure to see.
So remember: an attractive smile is just the start. Improved oral health and general well being are important treatment goals as well as consciousness, and for adults an improved social life and perhaps the key to a better job. The nice part about orthodontics is that there is little discomfort or inconvenience. Treatment requires only a few minutes of time at each appointment and the cost is surprisingly modest especially in terms of benefits received.
No two smiles are exactly alike. And no two orthodontic treatment programs are either. Some active treatment may take from 6 to 30 months depending on the severity of the problem, the age of the patient, and the degree of movement required.
Here are answers to some of the asked questions: - You may ask, in addition to aesthetic improvements, what are some other benefits of orthodontic therapy?
Well additional benefits may include better function, improved cleaning ability, more favorable wear patterns and greater longevity of natural teeth.
What age is a patient too old for orthodontics?
Patients who have teeth and healthy supporting structures are never too old for orthodontic therapy. Age is not a factor.
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