Did you know that four million Americans wear braces? Of these patients, 75% are children and 25% are adults. With early orthodontic treatment, your family can show off stunning, straight smiles.

Orthodontic treatment benefits patients of all ages. Straightening your teeth can improve your oral health, make space for dental implants, and more.

Are you and your child ready for timely dental intervention? Read on to discover how treatment can improve your oral and overall health!

Avoid Tooth Decay

Gaps between teeth give food particles, saliva, and bacteria space to hide. Together, they can mix to form plaque and tartar. Plaque can release acid, damaging your protective tooth enamel.

Your risk of tooth decay could increase if there are gaps between your teeth. Over 13% of children ages 5 to 19 have untreated cavities. Among adults with untreated dental caries:

• 25.9% are ages 20 to 44
• 25.3% are ages 45 to 64
• 20.2% are ages 65 and up

After losing teeth, the teeth left behind may lean toward the gap. Your teeth will start to appear crooked. You'll likely need dental implants to restore your smile.

Otherwise, you may find it more difficult to chew and speak. This can affect your ability to function or your self-confidence. Before that happens, talk to your dentist about orthodontic care.

Straightening your teeth now can help you avoid tooth decay later. You won't need to pay for extensive, expensive treatment.

Child orthodontics can protect your child's smile before cavities develop. Talk to your dentist about other preventive dentistry treatments. For example, they may recommend sealants and fluoride treatment.

Reduced Risk of Injury

Misaligned teeth can stick out at odd and uncomfortable angles. If there's a car or sporting accident, someone could sustain an injury. They may bite their tongue or knock a tooth out. 

If you or your child loses a tooth, find an emergency dentist right away. Act quickly to increase the chances of saving the tooth. Otherwise, you may need a dental implant.

For a chipped tooth, gather the broken pieces. Take them to the dentist for repairs. 

After knocking out a tooth, replace it in the socket or store it properly within five minutes. Visiting a dentist between five and 60 minutes improves the survival rate. However, proper storage is essential. 

Determine if your child knocked out a baby or adult tooth. If it was a baby tooth, you can wait until their adult tooth grows out. If they lost an adult tooth, find the tooth and rinse it with tap water or milk.

Make sure to pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root. The root contains fibers (periodontal ligaments), which are necessary for healing. 

Avoid scrubbing or soaking the tooth. Don't wipe it using cloth or paper towels.

Once it's clean, try to place it back into the socket. Don't force it in. Visit the dentist right away to discuss the best course of treatment.

To avoid an injury, talk to your dentist about child orthodontics or adult orthodontics. Treatment can address:

• Misplaced midlines
• Crossbites
• Crowding issues
• Spacing issues
• Underbites
• Open bites
• Overbites

Fixing these problems could reduce the risk of an accident before you or your child loses a tooth. Otherwise, consider these options for damaged or missing teeth. 

Treat Bruxism

Your top and bottom teeth should perfectly rest against each other. If your teeth are crooked, you may start grinding your teeth. This could wear down your tooth enamel and cause oral health issues. 

Your children aren't immune to bruxism. In fact, bruxism is more common in children, adolescents, and young adults than middle-aged or older adults. Between 6 and 50% of children experience nighttime grinding.

Long-term sleep bruxism can cause significant harm to our teeth. Potential consequences include:

• Difficulty chewing
• Chronic jaw pain
• Popping and clicking noises
• Locking of the jaw
• Soreness in the jaw, neck, and face
• Tooth pain or sensitivity
• Flattened, loose, chipped, or fractured teeth
• Sleep disruptions
• Dull headaches

You could damage or lose a tooth, compromising your oral health. Before that happens, consult your dentist. They may recommend that you or your child begin orthodontic treatment. 

Prevent Gum Disease

Remember, plaque and tartar are more likely to develop if there are gaps between your teeth. You may find it's more difficult to brush and floss if your teeth are crooked. This could increase your risk of gum disease.

Your gums will become inflamed as your body fights off germs and disease. They'll look red and swollen and may start bleeding.

Your gums may start to pull away from your teeth. The bones that hold our teeth in place will deteriorate. As gum disease progresses, you may start losing teeth.

Your dentist may recommend implant dentistry to restore your smile. Before you require treatment, consider orthodontics.

Orthodontics can straighten teeth and close gaps, making it easier to brush and floss. You can maintain a clean, healthy smile and avoid gum disease before it compromises your health. 

Chew and Digest

You and your child may find chewing with crooked teeth difficult. Some patients start avoiding foods, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Failing to thoroughly chew food before swallowing causes your digestive system to work harder, causing stomach aches, bloating, and other symptoms. 

Straightening your smile can make chewing easier, and it can prevent digestive problems before they affect your quality of life. 

Make Room for Dental Implants

Remember, your remaining teeth may shift after you lose even one. You'll require orthodontic treatment to make space for a dental implant.

Orthodontic treatment can straighten your teeth after they've shifted. If your teeth haven't shifted yet, consult your dentist. Surgically placing a dental implant now can help you avoid needing additional dental care. 

Choose Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment can benefit you and your children. You can avoid oral health issues, improve your health, and live in comfort. Talk to your dentist today to determine if you and your children are ideal candidates. 

At Greenway Village Dental, your smile is our top priority. Our warm and friendly team provides high-quality care that goes beyond traditional treatments.



We understand the importance of comprehensive dental care and will ensure you receive treatment tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.