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Have you ever wondered about the world of braces and how they can transform your or a loved one’s dental health? Whether you are a parent wondering about when’s the best time to get braces for your child, an adult looking to improve your smile, or you are simply curious about the process, look no further! Selden Orthodontics is here to guide you through what braces are, the available varieties, and the best time to get them.
What are braces, and how can they help me out?
First of all, what exactly are braces? Braces are orthodontic devices typically placed on the teeth to correct them and align the jaw. Most commonly made of metal, they apply constant pressure using brackets and rubber bands to shift tooth position over a long period of time. Minute adjustments made by Dr. Selden guide this gradual transformation to align the teeth gradually. Many children receive them as a means to counter any possible issues that may arise.
While to the eyes, they simply straighten teeth out, braces can drastically improve oral health. Dr. Selden may use elastics in various situations when extra pressure is needed to be applied to the jaw or teeth. The ability to correct jaw position, eliminate an over- or underbite, minimize teeth grinding, and assist in speech patterns are just a few of the benefits. While getting braces at a younger age may make the most sense for some, It is important to remember it is never too late to get them later in life.
What are braces made of?
The most traditional material in which braces are made out of is metal, though they are also available in ceramic, clear, and champagne braces (a combination of ceramic and metal). The material chosen depends on what makes the most sense for the patient’s age, the severity of the case, and the patient’s preference. They each do the job in a slightly different way and take varying amounts of time, but they are all effective and continue improving in orthodontic practices each year.
When is the best time for children and teenagers to get braces?
As a parent, you always want your child to be confident in their smile and protect their teeth at a young age. Around the age of seven (when baby teeth are still present) is a customary time they can start receiving checkups with Dr. Selden to get a better idea of potential future issues.
If your child is bothered with trouble chewing their food, protruding teeth, or biting the inside of their cheek, those concerns are worth sharing with your orthodontist.
The pediatric dentist may be the first set of eyes to notice something and recommend an orthodontist take a look at them to offer treatment before they become a bigger problem.
What is the best braces material for teens?
The best time for braces varies in each case, but the ages of 11 to 14, when permanent teeth start growing, allow for a plan surrounding treatment to begin. Traditional metal braces are the most common choice for children’s braces due to their durability, effectiveness, and the ability to customize treatment throughout the process better. Children have softer bone tissue than adults, which allows braces and other fixes to your teeth and jaw to be more easily administered.
How long do braces stay on?
On average, braces stay on teenagers for around one to three years, depending on age, current oral health, and the type used. This may seem like a daunting amount of time, but the end result will leave them with a confident smile to last them a lifetime.
Not every odd tooth automatically requires braces as a solution. It is possible for teeth to correct themselves naturally over time at a young age without any outside assistance. However, if they continue to stay out of place and your child mentions any of the issues listed above bothering them, it is a good idea to get checked out.
Braces can be a scary step for your child, but you can reassure them it is a completely normal thing to go through. Other children their age are likely also getting braces, which will not prohibit them from doing anything different than their friends. We are here to help you every step of the way and address any concerns you may have! Nothing is too small to ask about.
When is the best time for adults to get braces?
Good news for adults: there is no wrong time for you to get braces! You may not have been given the opportunity to get braces as a child, or perhaps they were not deemed necessary by your orthodontist at the time. No matter the reason, you are not too late to ask here at Selden Orthodontics! The process may take longer than it does for a child (around two years for an adult) due to the completed growth of the jaw bone structure, but the end result will be worth the wait.
Why should you get braces as an adult?
Adults receive braces for the same reasons as children do: crooked teeth, to improve oral health, a more confident smile, jaw pain, and more. Crowded teeth can be difficult to keep free of plaque and cavities.
Embracing orthodontic care as an adult will boost your self-esteem and showcase your commitment to your overall health. If you want to pursue a healthy smile and are curious about how braces can do the job, we are eager to guide you on your braces journey!
What braces material do adults typically receive?
While children typically get metal braces, other options, such as clear aligners, are popularly offered to adults for a more subtle look. You would be given a series of custom-made plastic aligners that simply fit over your teeth (similar to a retainer), switching sets every two weeks to allow them to shift into place slowly. They work most effectively when worn at least 22 hours a day, only taken off for meals.
Start Your Braces Journey at Selden Orthodontics!
No matter when you get your braces, we are here to support your journey at any time. Take the first step toward a healthier smile today with Selden Orthodontics by visiting our Huntersville or Charlotte offices for a free consultation to learn about the best treatment options for your braces!
