It’s incredibly common for patients to undergo orthodontics in their teen years, before their teeth settle more firmly in their jawbones, which can result in shorter, more comfortable treatments. However, many younger kids with dental or bite misalignments also need to straighten their still-developing smiles to enhance their oral health.
If you’re concerned about how these services might affect your child’s well-being during their informative years, continue reading to learn about 3 ways that orthodontics can benefit their oral and overall health!
Benefit #1: Better Digestion
Did you know that the National Institute of Health (NIH) has estimated that approximately 70% to 93% of U.S. American adolescents have some degree of malocclusion, or bite misalignment? While many cases of overbites, underbites, crossbites, or other issues are mild, an estimated 35% to 45% of cases require treatment to improve.
If your child’s upper and lower teeth don’t touch where they should when they bite down, they might struggle to eat food from utensils or thoroughly grind it in their mouths to be easily swallowed or digested. Correcting the alignment of their teeth and jaw can potentially help prevent these concerns and improve their digestion. This, in turn, allows their body to more easily absorb essential nutrients to support their oral and overall health.
Benefit #2: Improved Dental Hygiene
Gapped or overcrowded teeth tend to trap food debris and other particles that attract disease-causing bacteria, increasing the risk of oral issues such as cavities, gum disease, or injuries. Not only that, but they can be harder to brush and floss if you or your child can’t access all their surfaces.
Straightening your child’s smile with an appropriate orthodontic service can make it easier to protect their dental health. Properly aligned teeth are often much easier to keep clean than those that have shifted out of place.
Benefit #3: Fewer Potential Injuries
Teeth that aren’t in their ideal places sustain uneven pressure when your child bites down or chews, which can eventually wear them down unevenly, which can cause chips, cracks, breaks, or other injuries. You might think this is no big deal, but any damage to the structure of their teeth makes it easier for germs to penetrate them and cause decay or disease.
Fortunately, undergoing an appropriate orthodontic treatment to improve their bite or dental alignment can help prevent such injuries to safeguard their grin.
If you’re unsure whether your child would benefit from treatment or which orthodontic service might help, you can learn more by scheduling a consultation with their provider!
Meet the Author
Dr. Susan Podray-Donovan has 10+ years helping improve patients’ lives by enhancing their smiles. She earned her dental doctorate at Temple University, where she later achieved her Master’s in Biomedical Science and her Orthodontic Certification. Today, she’s a member of several respected organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, and offers a variety of services to meet your child’s unique needs. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (678) 456-5572.