In our last blog, we talked about the importance of bringing your kids in for their biannual checkups. This visits help ensure that their pearly whites are healthy and developing properly. Along with consistent cleanings and examinations, your child should also be evaluated for orthodontic care around the age of seven years old. In today’s blog, your team at Contemporary Dental in Bellaire, TX, is here to talk about the importance of orthodontic care.
Straighten Your Teeth And Protect Your Smile
Orthodontic treatment involves correcting overlapping structures, gaps between your teeth, and many other irregularities that can cause your smile to be asymmetrical. This process can help improve the appearance of your smile, but the main goal is to protect the long term health of your smile. If your teeth overlap or are overcrowded, it can be difficult to properly maintain them and prevent cavities. Aligning them can help improve your overall oral health. If you have significant gaps or large spaces between your teeth, you may have issues with chewing or speech. Braces or Invisalign can help bring your teeth closer together and improve these concerns.
How Braces And Invisalign Compare
When you think about correcting your smile, the first thing you may envision are braces. This method uses metal brackets and wire to gradually shift your structures into place. They are secured with colorful bands that you may associate with braces. This method can help a wide range of alignment issues and may take around two years to complete. Alternatively, Invisalign clear trays are another option. This method is often reserved for teenage and adult patients. Clear trays help gradually shift your teeth into the correct position and are virtually invisible to others. This may be a helpful option for adults seeking orthodontic care.
It’s Never Too Late To Start
It is generally recommended that you bring your child in for their first orthodontic visit around the age of seven years old. At this age, they have lost the majority of their baby teeth, and the permanent structures are beginning to come in. Their team can examine their smile and evaluate if any interceptive treatment will need to be done. Interceptive treatment can help ensure that their jaw grows in properly and there are minimal issues. If you were unable to have braces as a child, you may be considering cosmetic treatments like porcelain veneers to help correct your smile’s appearance. However, you can correct your alignment at any age with orthodontic care before moving to cosmetic improvements.
Get Started With Treatment Today!
Proper alignment can protect your pearly whites from injuries, cavities, and other oral health issues. To learn more about your options or to schedule an appointment, call Contemporary Dental in Bellaire, TX, today at (713) 668-9119.