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Brace Yourself!
Helping Your Child Adjust to Orthodontic Braces
By Tamar Weiss
Malocclusions, or orthodontic problems, can be very serious, and letting them go untreated can result in receding gums, bone damage, tooth wear and biting and chewing difficulties. The AAO explains that because crooked and crowded teeth are hard to keep clean and in good condition, "this may contribute to conditions that cause not only tooth decay but also eventual gum disease and tooth loss." Certain problems that go untreated can even result in chronic headaches and pain in the face and neck.
For this and other reasons, the AAO recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening by age 7. This might sound young, but it's the best way to manage many orthodontic problems that require careful monitoring of growth and development. Seven is an appropriate age to begin correcting problems, such as discrepancy in the length of upper and lower jaws. Because the jaws are still growing, an orthodontist can use appliances to guide the jaws in a way that will even them out. Some malocclusions, if caught early, will require less intrusive and shorter treatment (and less expensive treatment) than they would if caught at a later age. If a parent, physician or dentist notes a problem at any age, it's a good idea to schedule an evaluation.
If your child has no choice but to get braces, one of the best ways to ensure successful treatment is to cooperate with the orthodontist. The key is to take care of the braces and keep teeth clean. If your child has to wear a bigger, more obvious appliance like head gear, you might have a hard time convincing her.