Braces, a cosmetic treatment

Braces are an essential part of helping teeth grow correctly. If teeth grow at odd angles, it can be painful and difficult to talk and chew.

Braces slowly straighten the teeth and move them, so they don't push or grind against each other. 

Now, if you or someone close to you has orthodontic problems, you should ask yourself when is the right time to get braces.

Is there a proper age to get braces?

First, patients can benefit from braces at almost any age, and it's never too late to get them. People are more confident and can communicate better when they know their teeth look healthy and straight.

Many people assume that early adolescence is the best time for orthodontic intervention. After all, you're more likely to see braces on a pre-teen or teenager's smile than on a young child's or adult's.

But even if adolescence is the ideal time for braces, orthodontic care is a flexible and sensitive treatment approach that can straighten teeth, fix spacing problems, correct misalignments and create a beautiful smile through various ages and stages of life.

Braces in children 

The American Dental Association recommends that children have their first visit to the orthodontist by age seven. Generally, the teeth and mouth have not developed sufficiently before that age.

Most children will not need orthodontics by age seven, but that is the age when we can start looking for possible developing problems. Taking your child to an orthodontist is an excellent way to monitor their progress and minimize the intensity of future treatment. 

Once it has been concluded that orthodontic treatment is vital for children, you should know that the ideal time for them to wear braces is between the ages of 10 and 14, while the head and mouth are still growing and the teeth are more conducive to straightening.

What types of braces are there?

While you may think there is only one option for braces, the truth is that there are four main types of braces to choose from, each with its pros and cons.

Metal braces

These are the traditional braces that most people are familiar with. Although they are cheaper and come in different colors, they are also the most obvious type of braces.

Ceramic Braces 

Like metal braces, ceramic braces go on the outside of the teeth. The ceramic used in these braces look more similar to natural teeth and, therefore, is much less noticeable throughout treatment. They are more expensive than metal brackets and must be cared for so they do not stain.

Lingual braces 

They are constructed like metal brackets but placed inside the teeth to be less noticeable. Although these braces' main attraction, they also have their difficulties. Lingual brackets are difficult to clean and more expensive. They also do not work in cases where the teeth have unusually deviated.

Invisalign 

Plastic aligners are custom-made for the mouth, and the patient receives new ones every two weeks. These aligners exert the same pressure on the teeth as traditional brackets and wires but are nearly invisible when worn and have the added advantage of making oral health care easier and more comfortable.

They lack the restrictions on eating and drinking that come with other types of metal braces. However, they only work on slightly misaligned teeth and are expensive. They may take longer to align teeth than traditional braces.

Benefits of wearing braces on time

When you know your mouth is healthy and you have a beautiful smile, the added psychological benefits help your identity and presentation. The benefits of having them include:

Gum disease and tooth loss: Keeping teeth straight and jaw aligned correctly helps gums stay healthy.

Jaw problems: Braces will take care of your jaw, so you won't have trouble chewing in the future.

Teeth grinding and wear: Aligning the jaw prevents teeth from rubbing against each other and coming into contact when they should not. They also avoid the potential chronic headaches and neck pain when misaligned teeth wear against each other.

The Cosmetic Dentistry You're Looking For in Arizona 

When it comes to getting the smile you've always wanted, there's no time like the present to get started. Orthodontic treatment not only improves the appearance of your teeth but can also improve your self-esteem and confidence level.

At Havasu Dentistry, we offer various products and services to help you and your family correct your crooked teeth. 

If you live in Lake Havasu City, AZ, contact us today or visit us to learn more about how we can help you. We will be happy to guide you throughout your consultation and detail the treatment options available.