Treatment Options
The Benefits of Straightening Your Teeth At Any Age
Dr. Garrett and his staff know the benefits of a radiant smile. In fact, scientific research has found that a beautiful smile improves self-confidence, enhances the quality of relationships and magnifies success at school and work.
The greatest benefit of braces for children comes from early examination, consultation and treatment. When early orthodontic treatment is sought to correct crooked or crowded teeth, the chances for effective and successful treatment are much greater. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive orthodontic screening by age seven.
Teens receiving adolescent orthodontics benefit in total oral health as they grow into adulthood because changes are evolving in the gum tissue and the bones supporting the teeth.
Other significant benefits of orthodontics for children is in the prevention of common dental problems, such as unusual wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing functions, abnormal stress on gum tissue, damage to the bone that supports the teeth and misalignment of the jaw.
Braces for adults provide the esthetic opportunity for a great smile. But there are also several functional, whole-body and dental health concerns with orthodontic treatment for adults. There is a link between straight teeth and whole-body health seen most often through the prevention of periodontal disease (the disease of the bone and surrounding gum tissues around the teeth). Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain and may lead to periodontal disease resulting in bad breath, bleeding gums, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. These conditions can be avoided by seeking adult orthodontics treatment.
Additionally, many scientific studies have shown a strong link also exists between periodontal disease and the development of diabetes and heart disease.