Improve Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

Looking At Some Reasons Your Teen's Dentist May Recommend Orthodontics

1 October 2015 by Christy Long

If your teen's dentist has referred him or her to an orthodontist, you may have many questions about the reasons your child needs braces on their teeth. Repairing tooth structure using braces has come a long way and for the teen with a dental issue, getting it fixed in a couple of years may be easiest through orthodontic care. Check out some of the most important reasons kids in their teenage years need braces.

Crooked Teeth Can Be More Than Just A Cosmetic Issue

If your teen has crooked teeth, cleaning in between them is harder. If normal brushing and flossing does not adequately clean between crooked teeth, the chances of developing cavities and gum disease later on is greater. While cosmetic issues can also lead to serious self-esteem and confidence problems, considering the future of your teen's good oral health is more important. Braces can help to straighten crooked teeth for making them a lot easier to care for throughout life.

Temporomandibular Joint Problems And Crooked Teeth

The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull, providing the hinge motion necessary for opening and closing the mouth. If your teen has crooked teeth or a severe underbite or overbite, his or her risk of TMJ is greater. TMJ is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the temporomandibular joint. When teeth are not in proper alignment, they cause a great deal of stress on the jaw muscles during chewing motion, causing the pain that is associated with TMJ. TMJ has also been attributed to serious neck and shoulder pain as well. Your teen wearing braces to straighten cooked teeth can help to avoid painful conditions like TMJ later in life.

Crooked Teeth and Improper Occlusion Can Create Speech Impediments

While the appearance of crooked teeth can cause self-esteem issues, you should know that speech problems can have a far greater impact on your teen's self-esteem and confidence. Not being able to pronounce words properly can create serious uncomfortable social situations, especially in school around other kids. If your teen has a lisp or other type of speech impediment, his or her dentist may recommend orthodontics for helping to correct a malocclusion, a bite position problem.

Discussing your teen's options for orthodontic treatment is important if you worry about their overall oral health. Avoiding more serious problems in the future is essential for providing your teen with the best start for maintaining optimum oral health.

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