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Some kids cannot wait to get their braces, who see it as a sign of their teens not far behind, or there could be yet more kids who fret how they look and feel.

The primary purpose of any orthodontic treatment is to create a healthy and functional bite which is necessary for tooth and jaw alignment so that they function as nature has intended. Apart from promoting better oral hygiene and physical health, it brings about an attractive smile too!

There is a common misconception about orthodontic care that says that it is intended only for cosmetic purposes. However, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to an improved appearance. The improved smile is an outward sign of good oral health and overall well-being.

Another notion that parents often harbor is that their children's teeth will straighten out as they grow. The space available for permanent front teeth will not increase as one grows. Ignoring orthodontic treatments can make problems worse. Orthodontic treatments help not just in the right bite and chewing but also contributes to clear speech. When teeth sets in properly, they are much less prone to decay, gum disease, and injury.

Some of the benefits of early orthodontic care:

1. Creates space for crowded teeth to erupt: Early orthodontic intervention at the ages of 6 or 7 makes it easier to address issues like crowding within the mouth. Even before the permanent teeth grow out, the jaw can be expanded to create more space and room for the teeth to erupt through the gums.
2. Improves facial symmetry: Braces help in amending problems of crooked and misaligned teeth. The tooth movement can bring about changes to the overall appearance of the face and has a positive impact on the bite and alignment of the teeth and jaws.
3. Reduced risk of chipping of protruding Teeth: Kids with protruding front teeth do not have enough lip cover to protect their teeth from any fall or knock. This could result in the damage or loss of their front teeth. Such protruding teeth issues can be taken care of with braces.
4. Speech obstruction resolution: Misalignments of the upper jaw with that of the lower jaw can lead to a whistling sound when air tries to escapes out of them which obstructs the correct placement of the tongue. In this case, braces can correct an overbite and fill the gaps between the teeth.
5. Reduces Time for Phase II Treatment: Early orthodontic treatment can reduce phase II treatment time. Phase I decreases the growth of protruding teeth, making way for perfectly aligned permanent teeth to erupt, which can reduce the need for tooth removal at a later stage.

Discover the best orthodontic care for your children at Little Bytes. Request your appointment with us today.